steel--wanna play?

[VeloVT]

If you're looking for relaxed, keep an eye out for 2006-2008 Lemond Poprad cx bikes. It's steel AND it's light -- unlike a Surly or a Trek 520 (though I do think the 520 is a neat looking bike, I just couldn't see forking out bucks for a 26-lb bike)... Decent if not fancy components (I think it's pretty much straight 105), and lovely buttery ride. I came very close to buying a Poprad as a commuter (actually had a deposit down on it) but settled on an aluminum Bianchi cx bike instead because it was lighter and felt faster. But I think the 49 or 50 cm Poprad I tried weighed in at about 20 lbs, not bad for steel. Handles nicely too. Just skip the disc-brake version since it's heavier and more expensive.

I bring it up because now that Trek is discontinuing the Lemond line, you should be able to score some serious deals. The 2006 model was only around $1300 to begin with, so...

Oh, I think the stock gearing is pretty low, not sure if that would be good or bad for you...