I saw the other day the "new bikes" ad, and frankly I was very disappointed that they did not go with a properly geared touring bike. The 1971 etc all have underwhelming gearing for touring, and given MECs outdoor , self propelled outdoor activity way of thinking, I dont get why they dont go a touring design route. All it would take is a good strong wheelset, and a crankset with a RD and cassette that goes to 34 teeth. They could even use the bog-standard 50/39/30 crank that everyone used nowadays, slap on a long cage RD, a 13-34 and bingo, touring bike (with proper sized frame for rear bags, front fork that can take front rack etc)

I really was disappointed. I told them this last year when they came out with the 1971 and the Cote. Its a m=arket that would sell for MEC, I am sure. Even if it was an alu frame like the others (1971 et al)

it seems to me that there are so many road bikes out there, that going this roadie carbon route doesnt make sense. especially at these prices, I would go for a known brand. Tourers are rarer, and as I said, it fits in the philosophy of MEC (Ive shopped there for ages and ages, about 25 years)