Originally Posted by tarwheel

Take a look at the Salsa Casseroll. I got one for commuting in April and love it. I had been commuting for 2 years on a touring bike but it was heavy, slow and stiff riding. The Casseroll is better in every respect for commuting and light touring. Get a touring frame if you really intend to do loaded touring. Otherwise a sport touring frame will be much faster and more fun to ride on a daily basis.