Agonising over which touring bike to buy for 1k solo tour

[mjr]

...if you see what I mean (a bit too flash).

Not really. I'm surprised to see a stand on it, as I thought Surly refused to fit a stand plate and claimed stay-clamping stands invalidate their warranty?

 

[Hill Wimp]

...if you see what I mean (a bit too flash).

It won't look like that for long when you are touring unless you are planning on polishing it at night.

 

[SteveThomas]

Not really. I'm surprised to see a stand on it, as I thought Surly refused to fit a stand plate and claimed stay-clamping stands invalidate their warranty?

Not sure on the warranty issue, however it does say on the website not to fit a stand. I had it fitted at a pro bike shop, they didn't seem to think it would cause a problem as long as its not used when the bike is fully loaded.

 

[SteveThomas]

It won't look like that for long when you are touring unless you are planning on polishing it at night.

The idea appeals to my OCD

 

[Bonefish Blues]

http://www.oxfordbikeworks.co.uk/models/model-1/

Just to throw in another option ...

I have a Sutra and like it very well, but I'd take a look at the above OP.

They also do one with the same frame at under 1k. A small company competing with the big guys and being competitive on price too.