Probably not that noteworthy for the UK, where you can get quite a few decent and fairly priced touring bikes off the racks. Here in the US for around the $1000 mark, youre pretty much limited to an REI Randonee or a Jamis Aurora.

Spec on the Surly Long Haul Trucker is close to dead on perfect, and the retail is going to be $950. QBP will distribute them to any bike shop that wants to sell, so you dont have to be a dealer. Hopefully you guys will be able to get them in the UK. Retail on the frame is $450, so youre getting a hell of a spec for $500.

I might have to start saving my pennies.

Check out the classic bar-ends. Id probably change it to downtubies, and flog the bar-ends online.

http://www.surlybikes.com/lht_comp.html




   

Frame
Surly Long Haul Trucker
   

100% Surly 4130 CroMoly steel. Main triangle double butted.
TIG-welded

Brake Levers
#R200A. Black hood/silver lever

Brakes
Tektro Oryx cantilever

Shift Levers
Shimano Bar-end
SL-BS77 9-speed

Front Derailleur
Shimano Tiagra
   
Rear Derailleur
Shimano XT

Crankarms
Sugino XD600
48-36-26t, silver

Hubs
Shimano XT
36h. Black

Spokes
DT Swiss
14g stainless. Silver

Rims
Alex Adventurer