Originally Posted by
LittleBigMan
Thanks for the fantastic replies. Ok, now the finer points: my budget is $600, I need to mount a rack and panniers without heel strike, I prefer touring bike comfort and gearing.
All the suggestions have been welcome. Any ideas in this area?
Well for $600, I figure your 'new' bike isn't gonna be a 2008.

My touring bike is my primary commuter, but I use my 80's Bianchi road bike in the summer when the weather is nice and the sun comes up nice and early. For that kind of money, I'd prolly be looking for an older bike with touring geometry and then putting the money I save on the bike itself into upgrades and accessories.
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