Sam, will there be no difference in ride feel between an all cromoly frame and fork and an all-aluminum bike? Won't the cromoly be more forgiving on pavement bumps without a suspension fork?

Also can you recommend any models? What I'm thinking about is something in geometry like a Surly LHT, but less expensive. I saw Bikes Direct has a Motobecane Gran Turismo for $699 which seems like a very good value: Save Up to 60% Off Touring Bikes | Commuting | Commuter Bikes | Motobecane Bikes - Gran Turismo for touring the country there is nothing better