Originally Posted by
bikemig
The diamond bike will make a fine tourer as is pretty much. I dunno if I'd go to the trouble of fitting drops to it. I would get a "zippy" road bike though. Given how much you're riding, you'll enjoy it. Try to find a bike that takes long reach side pulls so that you can fit a little fatter tire (say a 700 x 28c) and which has wide ranging gearing.
You're right - I'm gonna go look at zippies this weekend. I am lusting after a Lynskey Pelaton or 255 right now - a little wider tire geometry to take up to 28's, similar to a chromo feel, and very comfy, but also very pricey (remember, my first 10-speed - my pride and joy in 1972 - was only $80.00). I also found a 2013 Masi Premiare(?) in my size for about a third of retail - all carbon and 105 equipped throughout - I may pull the triggger on that one this weekend.
I don't believe it'll be as nice a road ride as Ti, but it'll be half the money......
*********
...... so, you're from Middle Earth......... I've been there. It's in the Joyce Kilmer Wilderness, right here in western North (by Gawd) Carolina......still looking for the ring.
Thanks!!!