Hi,

I've got a fairly specific set of (soft) requirements that I'm looking for in a commuter and I'm having trouble finding them all in a complete bike. I'm trying to avoid custom for cost issues.

I need a commuter than can hold up to commuting 6km (each way) in Vancouver - so tonnes of rain and bike routes in pot-holey disrepair - and also for longer rides on weekends.

Based on getting advice various bike stores, and my cousin who was SERIOUSLY into riding before joining the Air Force, I'm looking for the following things:

- Drop bars
- Disc Brakes
- Steel frame
- NOT end-bar shifters (personal pref)
- Tiagra or equiv or better drive train
- Needs to be able to mount a panier rack (apparently this can be a problem with some disc brakes?)

I'm also hoping to spend a max of $1500 (before taxes etc.) on the bike.

To be honest, I don't even know if this is reasonable, but I figure this is a great place to ask. If this is pretty much impossible at that cost, how much would it be? If it's going to be a HUGE amount more, where can I best make sacrifices to bring the cost down?

Also is there anything important I'm missing?

Thanks!