My budget is flexible up to, say $1,500, that's the most I'd be willing to spend.

I've done some touring, rode across my home state, that took three weeks. I enjoy my current bike, but it cannot do a front rack and also is missing its rear brake (long story don't ask).

I like the Fuji because it's cheap, and I've heard good things. I have always considered a LHT to be my dream bike, so there's that. And just today I went to a local bike shop to see about some touring bikes and the guy there said that the AWOL would be good for me since I told him I prefer to be very upright when riding, as being hunched over I will get neck pain. Like I just can't do road bikes. My bike right now is a hybrid and I love it. But... no front rack, so can't do it.

Long Haul Trucker | Bikes | Surly Bikes

Fuji Bikes | LIFESTYLE | CROSS TERRAIN | TOURING

https://www.specialized.com/us/en/bi...re/awol/106553

It does look like the AWOL has a headtube length that is 2cm longer than the surly or the fuji, so that would make it more upright, right?

Thanks, I love you guys.