A bike with 132.5 mm rear drop outs would allow you to put a road wheel (130mm hub) with thin tires (e.g 23 mm) for good weather commuting, and change to a 135mm mtb hub wheel with stronger rims and wider tires for touring.

I agree with this from my experience. My LHT is so comfortable but I get so paranoid about leaving it. The Cannondale with the IGH is much easier to shift and operate in traffic and my fear is eased when I leave it.

This is what i commute on ......... http://www.konaworld.com/road.cfm?content=sutra

Trek 620 pics
 

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=217109http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=217110http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=217111http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=217112http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=217113http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=217114http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=217115http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=217116http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=217117http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=217118http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=217119http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=217120


I'll try to attach pics here of used Trek 620. I've ridden it, it runs well. I wonder if I will have trouble finding parts? They'll give me new tires. 25.5" frame, 35" standover. I remeasured my standover, I'm at 36" without shoes.
They want $329 for it.


I'm down to about the same 4 bikes.... this one above,
Raleigh Sojourn
Surly Cross Check
Bikes Direct Windsor Touring

Most of you have recommended the Surly, having trouble coughing up the cash without seeing the bike, the LBS has to order it. They said they will "work with me" if it doesn't fit well.


Any suggestions welcome.

I belong to a Touring Club. The most forgiving bikes for long trips are the Trek 620's and 520's, IMHO. The Surly LHT is right up there too!

However, my favorite of all times is a Soma Saga that's got Shimano Deore Derailleurs, Shimano 8 speed V-Brifters, with 700cc Weinmann wheels, and 700 X 32 Panaracer Crosstowns. Rides like a Dream.....

There's a Casseroller in the group too who swears by Salsa!

PS.

Commuting on a Trek 620 is like driving a Bentley to High School.

You shouldn't have any trouble at all finding parts for the Trek. At 1/3 the price of the other bikes on your list (1/2 in the case of the Windsor Touring, though that's obviously another one you can't ride before buying), to me it's a no brainer - get the Trek. Of course I'm cheap, and partial to 80's Treks. Interesting that someone replaced the cantilever brakes with sidepulls, though it does look like there's enough clearance for fenders/fatter tires. Pretty easy and cheap to switch back to cantilevers if you want maximum tire and fender clearance.

Of course, if you really want a brand new bike, you should just do that. These 1980's sport/touring bikes are great commuting/touring/road workhorses though, and at a much cheaper price.

I am 6' 2" with a 36" standover height with shoes. I also have 36" sleeves. I look for a frame based on top tube length. I have found that a 24" top tube with a 12 cm stem length works well for me. When I was looking for a touring/commuting frame last year, I finally decided on a Salsa Vaya. It is available as a complete bike or a bare frame. I got the bare frame and built it up. I am very happy with mine. I am also 63 yrs. old and 250 lbs and never did climb hills well, so I like low gearing. I buy 94/68 cranks from ebay these days so I can get a 20 tooth granny. Old age is a *****.

That's funny Slim.