Light Touring, Commuting, All-Around - Novara Verita?
 

This is looking interesting: http://www.rei.com/product/807242.

I have been looking at a Casseroll, Raleigh, etc. However, with my dividend and the REI 20% member coupon (which has worked on Novara bikes in the past) . . . I am intrigued.

I was intrigued looking over that bike, but then... only a 57.5cm top tube on the XL size? That's about 30mm too short compared to what I want in an XL frame. And the 70* head angle is kind of odd on a road bike.

Nice road bike.
Gearing is not suited for touring.

CranksetFSA Vero Compact, 50/34

Better for touring.
Put on an 11-34 casstte for touring.

http://www.rei.com/product/791137

with that 11 t mtb cassette top gear , a 46 30t crank would do better ,
but often parts picks are a cost consideration,
Brifter, FD, and cranks a set.

for touring, Shimano's 90's K 7 speed cassette 13-34 was a great ratio combination.

but marketing wanted to sell Speeds as a increasing number of cassette cogs ..

My personal preference , triple crank , 24 on the crank 28 on the hub.

when not hauling panniers full of stuff. ..

The Verita uses a Sram Apex drive train mostly-- that the standard 34/50 compact double teamed with a 10 speed 11-32 cassette. It's really a great system for general riding, long distance riding, light touring. I wouldn't try to do loaded touring it, but then I'm old with bad knees. Back in the 80s I toured on bikes with roughly the same granny gear-- if I was young I'd do it again.

Plus, the Apex stuff really excels in the faster club style of riding... it's a lot of fun!