Originally Posted by
cyber.snow
After seeing that at least 2 of you don't think the cables on the top are an issue, I will go back and give the Safari a good testing. Other than the cables, it looked like a great bike for the money. As for the diamondback, it is very similar to my current ride which is a Felt V85...love the bike and ride it every chance I get. But looking for an equipment truck to do a little bike camping.
What you plan on doing doesn't really require a touring bike, and be aware that touring geometry sits you more upright, which means you are going to be generating most if not all of your power with your legs only.
You might be better off looking at a do-everything type of bike rather than a dedicated touring bike.
In your price range and given that you have a Trek dealer nearby, I would suggest you look at the Trek Crossrip LTD.
It can do light touring if you put the right rack on it (extended backwards to make up for the shorter chainstays on cyclocross bikes as compared with touring bikes)