Originally Posted by
Sullalto
Thanks.
Of course the damn bike isn't available until January, so I guess I'll keep shopping.

Since the loaded touring thing isn't really on your agenda anyway, maybe take a look at the Charge Plug bikes, I think the Plug 2 is the one in your price range. They've looked pretty well spec'd to me in the past, and the alu frame may save some weight over the Doppler, although I don't know what Plug2 weighs.
Hmm, I'm not seeing any USA info for Charge now, but here's the site:
2017 Plug 2 - Charge Bikes