What does a custom light touring bike get you?
Assuming a reasonable fit (though that WILL be an issue for me at 5 feet tall with a very short torso), can anyone fill me in on the difference in the experience between riding say, a Surly/Salsa/Soma, versus a Waterford/Bilenky/etc.?
I'm leaning toward a custom touring bike anyway due to the fit issue, but if on the off chance I could find a reasonable production frame to dress up with lovely components, is there any reason not to go in that direction?
I have a limited frame of reference - my only non-city bike is a Homer Hilsen that honestly could fit better, so I know what that ride quality is like (and love it!). My understanding is that the HH is something like a production fit with custom quality - right? Anyway, so that's what I'm familiar with, and leaving fit aside, will I feel a quality difference with a Surly/Salsa/Soma frame?
Many thanks!