I've been on the look out for the same kind of bike, for someone else. Look at cross frames. You're limited to your Gunnars, some Lemonds, some Jamis, and some Bianchi bikes (I'm also limited by a budget. I know that there are other good steel rides out there). There was a good list of steel bikes posted a few weeks ago. I'm talking about Reynolds 631, 853, True Temper Platinum whatever, etc. No plain ol' cromo--getting a steel bike made of that is easy.
Saying that a touring frame would be good is tricky because the OP and I are looking for bikes that work with crazy things like fenders and racks, but are likely built to be lighter and a bit more aggressive than your average touring bike. Yes, I know you can get fenders and racks that don't use eyelets, but why compromise?
Last edited by lukasz; 10-07-09 at 11:56 AM.