Originally Posted by KrisPistofferson
I think Trek and a few other companies are starting to pay attention to the list of retro-grouchy complaints and create nice, MODERN bikes that are versatile and durable. I'm really loving not worrying about frame rust anymore.
One bike that struck me is the Escape M2 in Giant's 2006 range. See
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/uk/030...sp?model=10403
It has a mountain bike frame with a rigid alu fork that is drilled for front rack attachment. They are selling it as a city bike. There is also a version with Nexus internal gears and another with disc brakes. I'd imagine it would work for touring, if heel clearance is not a problem. Giant also has a set of 2006 bikes labeled 'commuting', a class which was not there last year. The whole range seems to be much more utility-oriented than before.
I wonder how much about the touring trend is due to internet. Surly probably does not need to do much marketing in traditional media. I would imagine forums like this one have done a lot to overcome the marketing of bike companies and shops that (used to) say touring is old fashioned/too much trouble/slow/for old farts.