everyday use though Adam, would be less versatile just cuz of the size (getting into house, appartement, car etc) I suspect that what he meant by that-or at least how I would see it and recommend. Ya, I guess a Troll type bike would be a very good option, as I am sure you can put narrow tires so it would be a good road bike too (like your Sutra) Ive seen a Sutra in a store and they certainly look beefy. there was one on sale for $1000 Can here in Mtl and that would be a great value for someone, seems like a really nice bike. Im surprised by your eyelet story, I recall reading about it. YOu sure the bolt didnt loosen and work back and forth causing hte failure?
anyway, I think for lots of people a Sutra Troll like bike would make a great choice, i personally opted for a cross type bike for being lighter and closer to a road bike in riding feel, mostly due to the weight (perhaps Sutra-Trolls are geared a bit lower, better for touring and "stuff" carrying, but mine is very capable for hills--but would need lower stuff for truly loaded in mountains, but can be done.)
I have a
DIY trailer and while I do enjoy riding with it, it's often a pain in the neck to maneuver with it and to store it. Bike + trailer take a lot of space, probably more than a single longtail bike. Now I'm building a Big Dummy and I hope to get the Troll too and I'll repaint and rebuild my Kona Sutra into a road bike for light club rides. But I would never consider Sutra to be do-it-all bike.
There was a similar thread once in the Utility Cycling forum and most people agreed that it's nearly impossible to have one bike that will do it all, but other than that everybody had a different idea. Most eventually agreed to disagree and the thread died off.
I know the Big Dummy's size can be a problem, but I was serious about the Troll: it is seriously starting to look like the closest it can get to a do-it-all bike. Although, I'm biased towards 26" bikes, I like the ride better (the lower center of gravity I guess). With two sets of wheels: one light with narrow tires and one heavy-duty with fat tires Troll would be able to do almost anything. Although, the chainstays are not long enough to make it a serious touring machine for taller people.
Speaking of 26" bikes being road worthy. With decent components and 1.5 slick tires a rigid 26" bike can be quite a zippy road machine, and at the same time stronger. Not as fast as a real, light road bike, but definitely capable.