When I retire in about two and ( I hope ) a half years,I was going to have my beloved GT Outpost overhauled to use as an 'any weather' alternative to my Dawes audax bike. However, it transpires that the bridge tube between the chainstays behind the bottom bracket on the GT is corroding enough so as to not make it worth investing any more on said bike. 
Sad, but after twenty two years of almost faultless service, can't complain - !
Thus, I'm looking for a replacement. Doesn't necessarily have to be new, but as I'm a cruiser, not a speed merchant, lightness isn't a requirement.
Must be chromoly, 531 / 631/ Columbus etc..
53cm. - 55cm. frame.; although my Dawes is a 60cm.
Relaxed geometry, I do exploring type days out with the occasional overnighter planned, not 'miles to cover' targets.
Dropped bars & touring pannier racks.
26" rims preferred as we have several of said type tyres already.
Never used discs before, but open to trying them.
Not umpteen gear cassette; six to eight at most.
Any suggestions and what to avoid please - ?
Sad, but after twenty two years of almost faultless service, can't complain - !Thus, I'm looking for a replacement. Doesn't necessarily have to be new, but as I'm a cruiser, not a speed merchant, lightness isn't a requirement.
Must be chromoly, 531 / 631/ Columbus etc..
53cm. - 55cm. frame.; although my Dawes is a 60cm.
Relaxed geometry, I do exploring type days out with the occasional overnighter planned, not 'miles to cover' targets.
Dropped bars & touring pannier racks.
26" rims preferred as we have several of said type tyres already.
Never used discs before, but open to trying them.
Not umpteen gear cassette; six to eight at most.
Any suggestions and what to avoid please - ?
And it's purple, a nice change from the 'stock' black or racing green - ! 
getting one of the Marathon Plus off my Fox, so resorted to judicious use of a Topeak metal tyre lever, job done. However, on the plus side, it was a doddle getting the same tyres onto the rims of my Galaxy without tyre levers. 