Hi folks,

I need some input here regarding a build for an upcoming credit card tour. Last year I rode my 1993 Specialized Sequoia across the states and I guess it performed fine. I recently picked up a 1989 Bottecchia SPX Equipe that I have been using as my daily ride and it has proven to be so fast and comfortable that I even considered taking it on my Pacific Coast ride in September instead of the Specialized. Since I am going light on this trip (medium bar bag, small triangular frame bag, small seat wedge) the Bott would serve me well with some 28 mm tires, dynamo hub and seat from my Sequoia but I think I should get something a bit more rough and tumble for this ride.

So what to do here? Perhaps something like this Serrota frame (I'm 6'3" 190 #'s) to swap my Sequoia components onto? Or maybe I should just pick up a Randonneuring style bike from someone like Soma or even one of their racier models like a Smoothie or something. My budget is about $1000. I don't need a heavy bike here, no provisions for fenders, racks or v-brakes. I just want something sporty and smooth that rides like my Bottecchia rather than the sort of dead, heavy feeling of my Specialized. Don't get me wrong, I love my Sequoia but I can just sense there is a more suitable bike out there for this particular trip.

Thanks,
Mike