Vivente World Randonneur

pubtourer

At the risk of starting another "which is the best touring bike?" thread, I'd be grateful for any experience/opinions on the Vivente World Randonneur. This bike started life as a Gemini in the 1980s and was more recently badged Mongoose.

It comes well spec'd at AUD1,750, including Tubus racks front and rear, mudguards, dynamo hub and STI shifters:

http://www.viventebikes.com//produc...ent/0/t/product

The hub is not much of a drawcard for me as battery operated LEDs are so good and cheap these days, I wonder why they bothered. Is the hub likely to give any problems in terms of wheel strength and spokes?

Not sure about the sloping top tube either - any thoughts?

The other choice is the Surly LHT. It is available here as a "complete" bike for about AUD1,500 but by time you add mud guards, pedals and rack etc, it comes to a bit more that the Vivente. It certainly looks more like a classical touring bike. Unfortunately, I have not been able to ride one. I know that it has a keen following.

One key difference is the bar-end vs STI shifters. I would be happy to use bar-ends but have never owned a bike with STI.

Of course the Trek 520 is another possibility but at AUD2000 for the basic bike, I don't think that it represents the same value and the Vivinte and Surly. Have also looked at and riden a Fuji but found it relatively cheaply spec'd compared to the others.

All contributions welcome!

Thanks