I have a big birthday approaching and am considering a custom steel CX / light touring frame with disc and rack mounts and some kind of coupling built in (possibly S and S but ideally the neater Ritchey Breakaway system).

Does anyone have such a beast, and if so is it worth the expense / effort?

I do fly a bit, but have only used a borrowed bike hard case once – I *think* I’d make use of a dedicated travel bike more often than I’d make trips involving a full size case.

For reference I currently have an IF Planet Cross (1×10 and canti specific, pretty light) and a short version Cotic Roadrat (built up monstercross style, 3×10, BB7s, fun but a bit of a tank) – I’m thinking of something between the two.

Any thoughts, opinions etc gratefully received.