Hello folks,

I'm thinking of commuting 7 miles to work, in Memphis, TN, USA. It's hilly but not extremely so. I want to also use the bike for exercise, and maybe light touring. I will want full fenders and a rear rack for panniers. My budget is $1200 or so, but I'm fairly frugal. I'm 6'-3" with about a 36" standover height with shoes, so I need a tall frame.

I have a hybrid bike right now that's really too small for me. I did a little bit of touring in Europe many moons ago, and imagine that I would like to do some more, so I've mostly been looking at touring bikes. I do landscape painting, so may take a painting trip, strapping on an easel.

Here are bikes I've been considering:

Raleigh Sojourn- I've test ridden one, it seems stable, maybe a little sluggish, but has nice saddle, fully equipped, just needs some lights.
Surly Cross-Check and LHT..... leaning toward the Cross-Check for versatility. I rode a one yesterday, liked it pretty well. Needs racks etc.

There's many others that I haven't tried, no one has them in stock though locally:
Novara Safari (from REI)- REI store is 3.5 hrs from here- looks like a good bike
Fuji touring
Windsor Touring (bikesdirect.com)- LBS said not recommended
Trek 520
Masi bikes, etc.

And a few used bikes: Right now on ebay these two:

An old Trek elance with steel frame:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/60cm-1987-Tr...item415caf1a3c

Old Peugeot:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/360388382516...84.m1426.l2649

I've checked craigslist, mostly racing bikes.

Can you comment on the used bikes in particular? Should I go with a new bike if I can afford it?

Thanks for any input.