My dear wife threw a card in an envelope this Christmas. It allows for my first n+1.

Some background...... I'm soon to be 58, found a riding renewal about 5 years ago. Bought a Trek Madone (4.7) 3 years past and it is my only ride. I'm doing ok considering I ride in the Adirondacks where seasonal conditions rule, and where you can't get away from climbing. For the good 6 months of riding, I usually ride 100-120 per week and fit in a century or two per summer. And, I've got a miserable back and neck so gentle geometry is key. BTW, can't stand flat bars because of the position they put my neck in and prefer riding high in a drop style handlebar.

I would really like another bike that would allow me to ride off pavement. Not looking to do trails or off road, for sure not racing. I want to be on the pavement and then turn off onto the dirt roads without thinking. Lots of dirt roads here that don't call for anything too aggressive, but my skinny tires now won't work.

So...... have been looking on line at cross bikes all winter, but today a young studly type who I work with recommended a Surly touring bike . Size 32 tires, good climbing gearing, swears its comfortable for long rides of 60+ and its kinda cheap. I'd like to keep this under 2k and the Surlys are way under that. Please forgive the ignorant, but what is the difference between cross and touring frames? What is the best for a 45 mile ride, half on hardpack dirt? Lots of things that I left out, so apologies in advance.

I guess I want another ride to take the stress off of my road bike, but still perform ok on roads, do modest off road and be able to go out on a lightlly snow covered winter ride.

lets hear it,

Thanks