Please take a peek at the Kona Dew. It is only $400. Has the 700c wheels (with cyclocross tires that I am loving) and triple ring, plus has a mega granny. I've got mine loaded down with panniers. It handles beautifully. I bought it mainly for commuting.

When I told the LBS I wanted a commuter bike that I could also use for longer trips and do the Danskin Triathlon, this is the bike they recommended above all the others they had. (even the expensive ones)

The salesguy told me the frame of the Dew is great, and if you upgrade a few components you essentially get the Dew Deluxe (same frame). In fact, the geometry of the Dew frame is the same as the Kona Sutra touring bike.

He assured me I couldn't go wrong with this frame. And frame is the soul of the bike.

www.konaworld.com

And, Kona is doing the AfricaBike project. www.konabiketown.com I felt good buying from a company that does something cool like this.