Hi Roel, Happy New Year to you,...

Hi Roel,
Happy New Year to you, Mia and Polly!
Eventually, you will probably need to switch to the wider tires. When you do this you may need to remove the fenders. If you can leave the fenders on, all the better. They protect the moving parts from grit as well as from water. If and when the fenders come off you may find that the rack stays interfere with the action of the rear brake. You'll see what I mean when the time comes. If the rack stay does interfere with the working of the brake you can use one of the presta valve knurled nuts as a washer to space out the rack stay. Tighten the rack bolts TIGHT and check them often, as they see a lot of vibration.
I'm enjoying your blog very much and check it every day.
Larry
ps Braising is a way of cooking lamb. Brazing is a way of joining metal.

Heading South?