According to Surly, if you are going to carry a lot of stuff while cycling a long distance, the Long Haul Trucker is the bike to choose. The Long Haul Trucker's frame is a double butted, TIG welded, steel frame. The drive train uses various Shimano components, with a SRAM chain.
The Long Haul Trucker uses components from various manufacturers, with the handlebars being PMT, made of aluminum, and Tektro Oryx cantilever brakes. The hubs are Shimano with Alex Adventurer rims, holding sturdy tires from Continental. The frame is available in nine different sizes with two different color schemes. The Long Haul Trucker comes with bosses for additional water bottles, and fenders, has an estimated retail price of $1,095 for 2010.
Kona Sutra
Kona makes a variety of bicycles for a variety of riders and terrain. Kona describes their Sutra as a well-refined touring bike. New for 2010 is the rear disk brake mounted on the chain stay, and the inclusion of fenders, missing on last year's model. The frame's steel construction is Kona's custom-butted alloy and is available in six sizes. A FSA Omega crank set powers the triple (50, 39, 30) chain ring. Shimano components are used on the Sutra for the front and rear derailleurs, shifters, chain, and both front and rear hubs. Kona's own components are used for the fork, handlebar, and seat post, supporting a comfortable WTB saddle. Alex XD-Lite rims hold the Continental tires. The Kona Sutra has an estimated retail price of $1,199 for 2010.
Cannondale Touring 1
Thought of as a maker of fine road racing bikes, Cannondale's first bicycle in 1983 was designed for touring. The Touring 1 frame is constructed of Cannondale's CAAD Touring, 6061 alloy with a Fatty R fork ready for any condition the road throws at you. The Touring 1 has a triple crank set, (50, 39, 30), with an IRD 10-speed, (11-32 tooth), cassette. The chain, hubs, derailleurs in the front and rear, shifters, and levers are all Shimano components. The handlebar and seat post is Cannondale's own, with a Selle An-Atomica Titanico LD saddle completing the rider's cockpit area. Mavic A719 rims and Schwalbe Marathon Racer w/RaceGuard belt, 700 x 32c tires provide the smooth ride. The Cannondale has a suggested retail price of $2,029.