Originally Posted by
seeker333
I wish you'd followed your own advice. You don't seem to know what you like about the 920 other than it handles and brakes nice.
Why would anyone spend an extra 50% above the cost of a Surly Disc Trucker for a Trek 920 - isn't there a better reason than "it handles nicely and brakes well"?
I dunno those along with comfort are the things I look for most in a bike. Early on when I started riding again I ruled the LHT out because it just wasn't fun to ride and to me that was an important motivational aspect of riding. Now that I have a few years of experience under my belt I'm not sure I would want a LHT under any circumstances but that's me.
Originally Posted by
Mr Grinch
I too have a Specialized AWOL. Changed the cassette and will change the crank next season to get a little lower gearing for climbing loaded, but the ride on the bike with a Brooks B-17 is magnificent.
There is no way I'd own an aluminum touring bike. The ride just isn't the same. I've tried AL frames over and over, and they are just too harsh for long days in the saddle. Be objective, and ride at least an hour over lots of bumps before you buy.
The AWOL is my new most favoritist bike and for me it's a great all rounder though it too has many detractors. I can load it up and hit the road, granted I fall closer to the ultra light mentality, and run it around town as a commuter. I had a little, actually a lot of, Vaya envy after purchasing the AWOL and snapped on up on CL when I found it on the cheap, then my lovely daughter decided to make a play for the AWOL. Now I can't wait to get another AWOL and try to find a way to rationalize keeping the Vaya too but if I have to choose the Vaya is gone no contest.
The 920 looks like it could be a fun bike but the geometry looks a little too aggressive for my tired old body, I certainly want something more upright.
There are tons of disc options out there and the best one is going to be the one that you will actually enjoy riding. My best advice is to test ride the crap out of a bunch of bikes then eliminate a few and repeat.