Building a Commuter - Advice?

[TheLemming]

I've got most of the bits assembled for a new build, now it's time to make decisions on the rest and order in / build.

I've got a decent ally rigid 26er MTB frame, Carbon Rigid Forks, some Disc 26" MTB wheels, seatpost, saddle etc.

Enough so it could almost look like a bike.

The intended purpose is a winter hack / around town / commuter / do a bit of everything. Pretty much short journeys, nothing over about 15 miles.

Now comes the tricky bit. I was thinking of going singlespeed, however my commute has some pretty steep sections in either direction with mile long draggy climb - which could make gearing choice interesting. I suspect whatever I pick will be equally unsuitable for everything.

The second thought was using drop bars - I like drop bars, however this makes using cheap MTB hydraulic brakes an issue due to bar size and I don't want to fork out for the road hydraulics that are expensive and currently unavailable.

I've got some BB5r brakes lying around but they are a pain to set up and involve a more expensive set of road shifters.

Perhaps a single ring up front, with a bar end shifter for the back and standalone hydraulic brake levers?

[TheLemming]

Rolls said:

For a commuter bike - defo hydro brakes.. they just work, and do not need maintenance.

For anything I'm sold on the Hydros. The second I can get some sensibly priced road hydraulics they are going on my CX