Nice bike! If I had a loved one who wanted to buy a good tourer and didn't want to spend tons of money, I'd recommend the Randonee, and I'd feel more confidant about doing so after reading your review. Plus, I have a sentimental attachment to REI, since I grew up in Seattle and always enjoyed shopping at the old Capitol Hill store. I got some great stuff there, and loved to browse and dream. (I even liked the mothball smell!) Good memories. My friend's mother was one of the first people to join the co-op. Her member number was something like #42, and the clerks always looked at my friend funny when he used her card.