Originally Posted by
Thulsadoom
What's wrong with the Trek 7.2 FX? There's no reason that it wouldn't work fine for a run across the country, and you already own it....
I agree. Maybe a few tweaks (a 24T chain ring for one). Personally I wouldn't go with flat bars, I would use drops, but that means different shifters and levers so maybe think about trekking bars or at least bar ends. If the budget is tight Nashbar Waterproof panniers, a Blackburn EX-1 rear rack, and Nashbar or Performance front lowrider racks (Blackburn clone) are good choices. I'd buy them again even if the budget wasn't tight.
The Schwalbe Marathon Plus tire recommendation is one I disagree with. They weigh a ton and still get flats (yes less flats than most, but...). Changing a flat once in a while isn't a big enough problem to warrant using these boat anchors, they weigh as much as two similar sized tires. I have them on my bike and hate them, they are so slow. I would maybe use them for an urban commuter.