I not want to steal this thread but I kind of have the same problem. I'm looking for a frame, I want it for club rides/training, the odd not so serious triathlon och a month a year for loaded touring with rear and front panniers.
Though I have another problem: I live in Sweden. (There are no bikes here!!) I have to look for bike stuff in England (frames) and Germany (components).
The Smoothie ES seems like a good frame for me, and it's available
here. But it's £360!!! With shipping that's over $800.
I have looked at the
Bob Jackson World Tour and the
Thorn Club Tour. How are those frames for racing? All the Audax type of frames I've looked at only have clearence for 700x28 tyres maximum.
The Surly LHT is actually available in Sweden
here, but is the LHT really usable for racing purpuses?
Please help!