I don't think $800 is particularly expensive for a commuter. Build it the way you want. And I'd put Phil stuff on a commuter in a heartbeat. That Sugino AT crankset is a keeper also. That Trek has more class than others are giving it credit for. It should ride like a dream and has all the necessary eyelets for racks fore and aft. Can you tell I like the bike?
Scott
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'84 Trek 850--spinbackle-built, '85 Trek 670 Campy Nuovo Record--project, '87 Trek 560 SS/Fixed--project, '87 Specialized Stumpjumper Comp w/ Deore XT--Specialized-built, '87 Rossin Record, '03 LeMond Wayzata--commuter,
'?? TST Mtn Bike frame--project, '07 Tsunami Tandem--home-built