Got my touring bicycle today from Velotech. Chris, the shop owner custom assembled it part by part. Together we decided all the different part that would make up the bike. It is a steel frame called Double Cross by Soma. Steel is very strong to handle the weight of all the gear, and it absorbs shock much more than Aluminum.
The handle bar, going against all regular touring bicycles, is vintage cruiser handle, to support the back and aid in maintaining a position of mechanical advantage while riding. Since riding will be how I spend most of the time, I might as well be healthy doing it... Another really exciting part of the bike are the pedals. on one side they are normal and the other they have clips. For this I have a pair of sandals with clips and can do some cycling with double the efficiency. "Just under a Km after leaving the bike shop. I was riding past a friends place and slowed to a stop, forgetting about the clips, I got stuck and feel down on the concrete. Better to fall in the begging and get used to it before I leave".
Talk to you soon...