Originally Posted by
BengeBoy
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?
You are missing the point - $600 for Bob Jackson touring frame IS cheap. That is an incredible value for a frame on par with Rivendells costing $1500 and up. You also would be getting a frame is designed for touring, with features not found on sport touring or cyclocross bikes. You could easily build up a brand new BJ World Tour for less than $1,500 total, and much less than that if you already have some of the parts. And you would end up with a bike fully capable of loaded touring across the country.