Originally Posted by jeremy_t
I've got maybe $1500 or so to spend on the bike, give or take a little for accessories. It seems that the only "touring" bike any local shop has is the Trek 520. Are there any other options? Is there any reason not to get this?.....
One local shop can order the Volpe but does not stock it, and I am aware of nowhere that even carries Fuji
With the exception of my world tour, all of my tours have been on a Fuji S-12-S (that goes back a ways, eh??), or my current fuji touring. I love the feel of my Fuji Touring bike. To me cycling is supposed to be simple, graceful and pleasant, and Fuji puts that all together for me. Have a local bike shop order it for you and try it out. I am sure if ya look on the internet there is a Fuji dealer nearby.
Lots of people go for the Trek because of some " American Made" mentality.
MY attitude is, whoever makes the bike I want and need at the lowest price gets my dollar, plain and simple.
roughstuff