Steel commuter/ light touring bikes: How to choose?

[buddha_bellies]

Thank you everyone. I had a look of the Jamis over the weekend. The 47cm is definately too high for me. I forgot to mention I have short legs too.

I understand what you mean by 44cm is just a number but I've checked out several bike brands when I was shopping for a road bike last year (ie. Giant, Devinci, Trek, etc). I tried all the smallest frames I can find, usually a 47cm and they're all too big. I guess that's why I'm asking for 44cm or similar frames. Wouldn't a manufacture make frame size relatively similar between a road and a touring bike?

Thanks

[KnottedYet]

Surly Long Haul Trucker comes in 42. http://surlybikes.com/lht_comp.html I know it's one of the bikes you are considering, have you tried riding it?

If you like something more on the spry and perky side, yet still a good utility or touring bike, try the Surly Cross Check, too. It also goes down in size to a 42. http://surlybikes.com/crosscheck_comp.html

(Surly sizes go 42, 46.)

Gunnar makes some very nice steel frames. http://gunnarbikes.com/

I'm sure you already saw this thread about the Surly LHT that Trek420 test rode in a size 42. It might have been a little small for her (usually rides a 46 or 47), but she loved it: http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=17451

[VeloVT]

I think the Bianchi Volpe comes in some smaller sizes. It's not super light, but I think there are a few people on TE who have/like them.

[Grog]

Marinoni will build a bike for you custom.

For not a lot more money than their regular bikes. And you get to choose the paint. (Mrs. Marinoni paints the bikes.)

If you go to La Bicicleta they can take care of you for that.

At the Grand Tour in Quebec (2,200 cyclists on a week-long supported tour), 1 in 7 bikes is a Marinoni!