lennon_68

I'm looking to buy a more touring-friendly bike than the Giant OCR1 I've been using (pure road bike with a pretty aggressively compact frame... I actually just sold it yesterday so I "need" a bike now lol). I don't do a lot of touring but I'd like a bike that won't be too awkward with 30lbs of panniers hanging off the back of it when I do. I'm having some trouble narrowing down my choices because I'm not sure what to look for or how to weigh different options though, especially considering the bike will be used for commuting and shorter recreational rides as well.

Things I know I'm looking for:
- Brifters, preferably at least Tiagra level Shimano (or any level SRAM)
- Rack and fender mounts (front rack as well)
- At least 32H rims (36H preferable)
- Triple crankset (preferably with a really low low gear)
- Steel or Aluminum
- Something that feels fast when not touring...

Things I think I'm looking for:
- Disc brakes

Based on the criteria above I've been looking for a good deal on a Vaya but I'm wondering what other options are out there that might fit my criteria? Also I'm not sure if I'm even on the right track with the above criteria? I'm keeping my eye out for a LHT as well but I'm afraid it will feel too sluggish for commuting and riding around town.

Any thoughts?

Bike's I'm keeping an eye out for currently:
Salsa Vaya
Surly LHT or Disc Trucker
Salsa Casseroll
Jamis Aurora or Bosa Nova
Kona Jake

Also my brother (who does quite a bit more touring than myself) suggested the Windsor Tourist or Nashbar Touring bike. Those look like good candidates and the price is right but I'm not sure if I can get over the negative stigma of the brands...

jbphilly

Disc brakes are definitely a good call. BB7's are all the brake you'll ever need.

hybridbkrdr

Surly Troll?

EDIT: I read some "oddball" comments on the Casserol. There was something about the rear dropout, then I read it's discontinued.

fietsbob

you plan on stripping off all the touring stuff, back down to bare bones?

you probably need a Road bike too, [or tow a trailer with your road bike.. ]

lennon_68

Hmm, looks like a flat bar bike. Interesting notes on the Casseroll I'll have to do some digging.

lennon_68

Actually I probably will. That's what I had been doing with my Giant. I commute with a backpack so all the racks, etc. got pulled off between tours (since I was only touring about 1 week out of the year). Thanks for all the input you've provided across my threads by the way