Originally Posted by timdow

What is the climate where you live, or where you will be doing most of your riding? I live on SoCal, so I am fine with rim brakes, but if I lived in Seattle I would seriously consider a bike with discs.

If the above is not an issue, I like the Randonee much better (you are in the Touring forum!). I hope I am not confusing the issue too much but there are a lot options other than REI take a look at this thread about the Fuji: http://www.bikeforums.net/touring/10...und-739-a.html