General: Touring frame

you could get your current frame repaired.

if i had the money i would be going for a Riv Sam Hillborne

The long haul trucker is a good option. It comes set up with a 9 speed cassette with barcons, cantis, and eyelets for everything. I ride a crosscheck with mustache bars, a rear rack, 9 speed, and fenders. Thats about 90% the same as a trucker with mustache bars. I've talked to a couple people who have truckers and they all seem to love them.

I dont know anything about new trek 520s. Based on a quick google search it seems to be really similar to the trucker but with v brakes, fenders, spd pedals, and a minimally upgraded drivetrain. It costs about $300 more. The price difference is probably less after your shop discount. I still like the trucker because I dont like v brakes for road, I like crank bros pedals, and I would want to pick my own fenders. I could see how it would be as good/better value if your eccentricities are different.

Are you trying to get rid of barcons or just the 7 speed?

Pete, it is the Novara that we talked about....its a sad day :(

+1 to Iron.... Take the bike to REI. The least they'll do is tell you no, but I bet they'll make it worth your while.

Hmm...ill give them a call. Thanks for the heads up.

I would try the store itself, for sure. Is your membership as old as the bike?

Heck, worst thing that can happen is that they say no & you end up buying a new bike there right?

Well, there is always J.B. weld...

FixedPuch,
What kind of money are you talking about spending if you were to find a lugged touring frame? What size? I've seen and looked at a few of the LHTs and they look to be pretty decent, and I'm sure you've looked at them plenty if they go through your shop. Nothing wrong with a TIG welded frame if it is done right. You can always send that Novara my way.. I'd be willing to take it off your hands.

As far as the JB Weld goes, that'll be a last ditch effort before you destroy it.. I've seen cast iron engine heads hold together with that stuff and I use it quite a bit.

Thanks Pete for correcting me.

Ruffinit,
I think your question was really directed at fixedpuch since it is his frame we're talking about. This frame isn't mine, but perhaps in the spring I'll be purchasing my own Novara Randonee new as a complete bike.

The frame was dropped while hanging from its rear wheel onto its front wheel causing the ht and dd/tt joints to crimp a little, so the bond is failing and starting to rust a little. It happened before I even started riding it. (People perform tricks on a touring bike?)

Interesting....

FP,
I asked a couple questions above..
Besides those, are you looking for strictly new or are you looking at used also?

Hmmm.. I see that you ride a 58, too bad, I have a Specialized Expedition that is a 62.. You might keep an eye out for some of the older classics like the Expedition, Raliegh Kodiak and Alyeska, Schwinn Passage and Voyager, Bridgestone T700 and T500, Treks you already know, Cannondale ST models. Folks don't always know what they have and while these bring top dollar on places like eBay, keep on it.. I haven't found many of the newer bikes to be up to par with these, however a friend of mine just picked up a really nice Masi touring rig, but I don't know the model. If you're able to pony up that kind of money, you can probably have your pick of many of these used even on eBay.. As any of the guys will tell you keep your eyes on Craigs List.
I'm making the assumption that you're riding a 58 comfortably on a road bike; which means you could probably ride a 60 in a touring frame, but you should already know what your fit is. Some of the touring bikes like the Expedition have a higher BB than say my T700, so you'll have to watch that and ask for the stand-over height if you're getting one without touching it first.

What size are you looking for?