The cannondale i was looking at has the Brooks saddle without springs, and also has Scwalbe Marathon Plus tires, which im glad you mentioned, kevlar reinforced or whatever it says... seemed to fancy, but now you have backed them up.. it helps explain the price tag....

About explaining routes, what did you have in mind? Yep we planned to take the ferry from France, my girl knows where exactly... ill ask..

Anyone got any opinions on the Specialised bike?? We will go look up some reviews for it now, and ill see what i can get... so far i havent found any reviews on the Cannondale Touring, but im no google wizard :-)