touring bike purchase help!

[KnottedYet]

I've heard good things about Soma DoubleCross and Surly Long Haul Trucker.

My next bike will likely be one of those. Or something simliar. A steel tourer.

Oh, yeah, and I forgot about the Kona Sutra. It is essentially my bike's frame, but in steel instead of aluminum.

[cindysue]

Surly Long Haul Trucker would be nice but I'm thinking that would definitely run over $1200 and not sure I could get a custom frame in 4 weeks (I need to ride it for at least two before leaving my LBS).

heck, if I could afford it, I'd get the Atlantis. Maybe next year when I'm making the big bucks

[KnottedYet]

My LBS has a new Surly LHT on the floor in my size (I'm 5'8") for $1200. I looked at it with longing, but my bike budget was 1/3 that...

www.recycledcycles.com

We've got a local bike builder who might be able to give you some links.

www.freerangecycles.com

She does both Surly and Soma.

[cindysue]

ohhhh, thanks - I'll check out the links.

Just saw this: http://bayareabikes.com/html/Topeak-...ling-Tent.html