Not exactly light - but it looks like it could certainly be used for the kinds of touring you are contemplating. It's a Novo Ceres belt drive, with an Alfine 8. Just discounted to $1199.

http://www.joe-bike.com/commuter-bikes/norco/

It's probably not what you are looking for - but I want one (the Alfine 11 build). :)

I think of the "go fast" part as being in my legs, not the bike frame. When I get in good enough shape that the bike's weight is what's holding me back, I will gladly shell out some bucks for a light weight bike.

Yes. The Blue Ridge. I believe the geometry wasn't true touring geometry, at least in the area of chainstay length.

Raleigh definitely has some sensible, go-kinda-fast bikes. The Casseroll is a good recommendation, too.

I'm going to suggest something that most people will disagree with. Why not go with a relaxed geometry carbon bike like the Specialized Roubaix or the Pinarello Rokh which will take 28mm tires. You can't use panniers easily, but the bikepacking or saddlebag approach could work. If you can keep the gear load around 20lbs it might be fun.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5143/...9786295109.jpgLitespeed Blue Ridge. I scored a 10 year old in new condition 3 years ago on craigslist. Light for a touring bike @ 19lbs w/o racks. Very stiff, solid bike. No problems fully loaded for touring with 45lbs load.
I have 2 sets of wheels, one for touring one for fast riding. It is my go any where do anything bike.

18 inch chain stay, same as listed for a LHT

My Cervelo RS has geometry similar to a Specialized Roubaix. I really didn't like the way the RS handled when I mounted a handlebar bag and Carradice saddlebag to it! Plus, I thought an expensive carbon road bike might be a much more attractive target for thieves than a touring bike would...

A cross check probably will fit your needs, I commuted with mine and did a couple of light tours - I have size 49 feet (around 14 us), didn' have a problem with toe overlap - my son commutes with it now. I got a SOMA ES to get a better fit - it has a slightly more upright riding position plus it is available in a 64 cm frame, it is a comfortable ride - suggest looking at it.

Salsa dance
 

Tarwheel-
I had called the dealer for Tennessee, they're in Knoxville (6 hour drive). They offered to ship me the bike, at my cost, but couldn't help with fitting, and I would need a LBS to reassemble.... so I had written it off. At your suggestion though, I called local shops here, and one of them said they can order one for me. Waiting on a price. I'm going by today for them to do a test fit on another bike and make sure I get the right size.
It's definitely the sport touring category, and can take up to 38mm tires with fenders. They designed it for comfort with seat and bars almost parallel.
I've not used the STI shifters before. My Peugeot of years back had DT shifters.
I'm glad you suggested it again.

I think that Motobecane suggestion from BD is your best deal. That's a good bike for cheap and looks great.

Bike companies make money by selling bikes. In some cases, they exclude sales to bike shops if there is another certified dealer within a reasonable distance, but 6 hours driving is not a reasonable distance to expect someone to travel. In my case, the nearest bike shop couldn't order a Casseroll because there is another Salsa dealer in town -- so I ordered mine through the certified dealer rather than ordering on-line. I'm glad that I did because the local Salsa dealer is an excellent shop and did a great job fitting and building up my bike. It ended up being less expensive than ordering on-line when all the costs were factored in because the LBS discounted his parts prices and his labor costs were very reasonable. I spent about $800 total on my Casseroll, including labor, but that was because I used a lot of parts from another bike altho I did buy a headset, stem, cables and other miscellaneous parts from the LBS.

Maybe the Pake C'Mute. This one takes 35mm tires and fenders.
http://www.pakebikes.com/product/F8EF09/C'Mute+Frame

Someone made a review of it. If you want the longer review, you can click on the 6 month review.
http://www.dionridesbikes.com/2011/0...ar-review.html

Litespeed Blue Ridge - $2500 in GA

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/eat/bik/2619901574.html

[QUOTE=MMACH 5;13420798]Litespeed Blue Ridge - $2500 in GA

OUCH!!!!!