Originally Posted by vlicon

When my wife suggested we give each other touring bikes for Christmas, I have learned not to argue about such things. We immediately drove to the local bike shop and bought each other a Salsa Marrakesh. My new bike and I got acquainted today on a 30 mile ride around town. It felt great. I'll need to get used to riding at a little slower pace. It's definitely not as light as the carbon road bike. But the low gears make it a breeze for grinding up steep hills. The Brooks 17 was no less comfortable than my most comfortable saddle. I am looking forward to us hitting the road for several trips next summer.