What's a good all around bike
I'm looking to thin down the herd. Any suggestions on a good all around frame? The bike would be used mostly on road about 80% sometimes off road but nothing extreme. I would probably put no more than 20 - 25 miles during weekday rides and a 50 mile to Metric Century would be the max milage in one ride. It doesn't have to be touring equipped, ie lots of mounting bosses. Just enough to mount fenders. Here is what I'm looking for feature wise:
1. Fenders that mount easily, no zip ties or half *ss fender mounting.
2. Clearance for wide tires.
3. Standard geometry, I don't like compacts.
4. It has to be steel, this is a must.
My Waterford RSE-11 does everythin except fender mounting. It doesn't have a bridge on the chainstays to mount the rear fender and the bridge on the seat stays isn't drilled. Waterford said they would be happy to put some braze ons back on and repaint the bike. Problem is the cost is outrageousm IMO. They get $400 to repaint in season and $300 off season. That doesn't count the cost of the braze ons. I figure it's cheaper to sell the frame and start over.
Tim