Originally Posted by
Zephyr11
See if you can get someone experienced with fit to go along with you when you buy the bike. A good fit is crucial, ESPECIALLY if you plan on being in the saddle for a long time for touring. And at $700, you're probably going to have to go used, which means you'll have less options as far as geometry goes.
It generally would be true that under $700 in a full on touring bike gets you only into used; and used touring bikes normally are very used
But the Windsor Tourist is every bit as nice and well spec'd as touring bikes sold in the $1000 to $1200 range, frame is made by same builder that makes most high grade steel touring bikes, and thousands of commuters & tourists have gotten great service out of this bike.
So for under $600, you can get a brand new fully equipped and properly spec'd touring bike.
{and at under $500 the Mercier Galaxy is a darn good commuter / light touring bike}