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