Originally Posted by bikerjp

Thanks for all the advice. I agree that a complete bike or used would be the best way to go. I've been looking. Thought about a Salsa Vaya but the size was 56 and I probably need at least a 58. Might have been able to make it work but wasn't convinced and then it sold. That lbs was going out of business so not sure where to find Salsa bikes now although I think most lbs can order them. Some shops around carry Surly and I've looked at those too. I can get a cross check for $1000 but I really don't like any of the components so upgrading all that seems more expensive than just building up how I want. I keep checking CL around here but not seeing much.

I'm the kind of person who would rather spend a bit more on something that is the better option rather than spend less and then end up not happy or pouring additional money into it. Maybe I'm way off on my estimate, but I think I can build an ES or similar bike up for about $1400 which is what I'd pay for a Vaya or cross check after upgrading. That is taking into consideration the parts I already have (handle bar, stem, seat, seat post, wheels, cassette, chain, pedals). Just need brakes and the rest of the drive train, head set and cables, etc. Also, I just want to build one for the fun and experience.



I probably wasn't clear about my intended use. I know 100 mi isn't touring, that is just one of the things I plan to do with the bike. The comment about touring was just that I might also do some overnights but it's not a focus - just something in the back of my mind. Mainly the bike will be my commuter and century bike. I've thought about and LHT but unless I plan to do some serious touring I think it's overkill and in the event I do start touring I'll probably look into a bike specifically for that but hoping whatever I build up will at least handle the credit card type touring. My brother lives a couple mountain passes away and I've thought of packing up and heading over his way for a few days. Better than credit card since I can mooch