Originally Posted by
cdmurphy
There are a lot of good options out there for a classic touring bike. (If you are talking extemely loaded, expedition type touring, then some of the newer bikes are probably better options.)
+1
The Surly Long Haul Trucker is the "great value" for a fully loaded, front and rear pannier bike. What once was sold as a touring bike is a bit on the "wimpy" side if you're loading up the rear with lots of weight. If you don't like the stigma of low price, and want something flashier, Rivendell has a slew of bikes that ride that way.
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