Best Budget-Friendly Touring Bikes: Cannondale & Trek Recommendations

Question
I would like to do some long distance touring by bike.
What could you recommend that wouldn't cost a fortune?


Answer
Cannondale and Trek have nice touring models in the $1000 range. I would not go any less then those models or their equivalents. You want a long wheelbase bike that is built for touring to hold the weight of panniers as well as not interfere with pedaling.

You might be able to find a used bike that matches the specs. I would check the specs of these models:
http://www.cannondale.com/bikes/05/cusa/model-5TR8.html
http://www2.trekbikes.com/en/Bikes/Specialty_Bikes/Touring/520/index.php

Then compare them to others. For pricing.

HTH
Scott<>