Steel do-it-all bike (Croix de Fer lux?) - spec help please?

IanTrcp

Hmmmm...........

Looking for a hard wearing do-it-all utility-bike for winter and wet rides, the odd towpath, towing the kids to the park in their trailer etc. Must be able to take a rack and 'guards also

I'm tempted by an Enigma Element frame http://www.enigmabikes.com/element.html

Hub geared so Rohloff or Alfine (need low gearing say 30/25 equiv)?
Disc brakes (hydraulic?)?
Some durable wheels that will take a 32 or 37c tyre?
Chris King headset/bb/(front) hub?
Thomson Elite stem & seatpost?

Genesis Croix de Fer is the right concept, but I've more scope budgetwise
Van Nic Amazon another idea but just looks ugly to me.....! Likewise the Thorn abominations...

Has anyone got/built anything similar?
Any thoughts on spec for a build?
Rohloff vs Alfine?
Wheels/brakes? I have no idea what's good where discs are involved
Any further ideas on a frameset?

Thanks in advance!

calvjones

I think I'd just buy the Croix and have done with it, if it's for winter hacking. Good looking bike. And spend the savings on something that won't get cruddy.

Mind you I have an Airborne Carpe Diem (now the VN) and its ace.

Hoopdriver

Talk to the guys at Enigma - they are very friendly and informative and would really be able to give you some ideas; their customer service is great, as are their frames.

Monty Dog

Planet X Pompetamine, Salsa Fargo or Cotic Roadrat? If you want drop bars and discs, choice is limited to Avid BB5/7s - good enough brakes anyway.

Evil Laugh

Robin Mather?