I don't know why, but I'm currently obsessed with seeing whether the wise heads contributing to this thread could come up with a bike (or bikes) that fit the OP's original question - given that he could buy a Salsa, Surly, Rocky Mountain or Scott at a discount, which should he buy? He didn't mention how much of a discount he can get, but I'm guessing he could get a Crosscheck complete for $700 to $800-ish. Does he need to spend more?

The list of great bikes on this thread is long impressive - but why not recommend a bike that this young, first-time tourer could purchase at a discount? Does he really need to spend the $$ on a custom British frame, a Waterford or a Rivendell?

Me, I'd get one of the cross bikes he can purchase at a discount; I don't know enough about the Scott or Rocky Mountain options to compare them w/the Crosscheck.

If I weighed 145 (like the OP), I'd figure out how to do it on the Pistola.