Allright, given this is the most important choice in my bicycle touring career a little help would go a far way. so first of all let me paint you guys a picture. I'm looking to do the classic TransAm trail this summer (VA-OR) and i've saved up a few pennies to buy a bike. I work at an Eastern Mountain Sports here in CT and we have a bike shop with some qualified bike techs but they really dont know much about bicycle touring. Since i work at EMS i can get some good deals on bikes and stuff through QBP and prodeals from other companies. i've got all my camping gear (i hiked the AT last summer) and can fit all my gear in my 30 liter backpack with 3 days of food and 2 liters of water. I'm 23 years old and weigh 145 IBS wet, and consider myself in very good shape. I'm looking to do the TransAm 'light and fast style' (maybe 45/50 days?) I've looked at the classic surly LHT but think it's way overkill. the crosscheck looks a little bit lighter and more nimble, and I definitely dont think i need a front rack... i could lighten it up some with a carbon fiber fork and some other nice components... or i've been looking at the salsa pistola which is an awesome bike, but no rear braze on's for rack, i'm confident i could get away with just a seat clamp rack but dont know if it's the best way to go. Theres also the Salsa casseroll, which is a nice looking bike aswell. There's some nice Scott bikes out there to, but seem more race oriented and more $$$. or is my request somewhat unique and i should just look into getting a frame/fork and work with the bike tech's to get me suited up. So to sum it all up.... i need a bike that will take me the length of America in an efficient manner, something vaguely comfortable, and something that will take a little abuse. I'd prefer to get something through QBP, or Scott, or Rocky Mountain as i get good deals through them, but I'm always keeping my eye out on ebay/craigslist.
Thanks so much with any insight!
mike!