I was looking at the fargo, the ECR, 1120, 920, etc...so many things to consider it makes ones head spin. At first I saw the 1120 and thought that looked very cool and I grew up knowing the Trek and Cannondale brands...but obviously there is a lot more to consider than the look of a bike and name recognition. I do like the rack set up on that and from the marketing videos it looks like it's targeting what I am looking for...But I can't find much information from people that actually own them.... The Salsa and Surly brands seem to be the most popular....I am going to my local bike shop today to talk to them about an ECR although they don't have one in stock....I can't even find the 1120 or 920 in stock around me and the kid I talked to at the Trek dealer here was zero help...I have a really hard time dropping that kind of cash on something I can't even see or sit on until I buy though...I just bought my daughter a used car for not much more than I am about to spend on this bike.
Honestly I just wanted to buy something already set up that I could just throw some bags on and go. I'm not looking to become an expert on what all the different options are at this time. Since I am new to this I don't know all about the gearing and which works best, which derailer is better, brakes, seatpost, and so on. I don't know what bike or options fits my riding style since I don't have a style yet. Tire size, handlebar type....ugh... I just want the best jack of all bike I can find for around $2500+-....I calculated that after the bike and racks I'll end up spending another couple thousand on camping gear, shoes, accessories, etc.
I have read many many forums and reviews.....so many different opinions. I do know that I am not looking to race or do crazy stunts, but I do want something I can get on some nice trails with and do multi day trips.
Again, I travel often for my business, I have a small IT contractor business. I drive 60k miles a year to all parts of the US. I try and camp as much as I can when I travel and always wanted to carry around a nice bike to go exploring the mountains and national parks. I want to get a bike in the next couple of weeks...I have been holding myself back from making an impulse purchase and doing my due diligence in selecting something that is just right.....or maybe I am just overthinking this too much..