I have been looking at/for a new bike for several months now. My initial idea was to do a steel framed commuter/touring style bike. The issue I keep running across is cost. The price of the bikes I like surpass what I would feel comfortable chaining up or leaning against other bikes at social rides.

I came across the Giant Seek3. It offers pretty much all the features I am looking for, sans the steel frame. It has big tires, disc brakes, frame rack mounts, room for fenders, and doesn't have some splashy paint job with the bike name plastered all over.

Since the "1" model is made for Shimano IGH and has an elliptical BB, I am only considering the "3" and looking to possibly upgrade or change some of the drive train. The key being keeping the price low enough to continue being comfortable with it's usage (and abuse).

Anyway, do any of you own one of these and can give me your opinion of how it has ridden and held up?