Best off the shelf tourer

[Jash Rider]

Spent a few hours cleaning everything and fitting new cables and brake pads. The wheels are ok, but they're old, single wall rims which I will upgrade in the future.

It rides nice and everything is smooth and works flawlessly. Cost all up is $186.

[hartleymartin]

I started out touring in 2006 on a similar set-up. Full-length mudguards are a must-have item. I have since been through a couple of other tourers, but my favourite is still an old 1982 Raleigh Royale. She's just about to undergo a 650B conversion, dual-pivot brakes and get new alloy mudguards.

The Fuji Touring is an excellent off-the-shelf tourer and gives you a pretty good basic machine for the money. I would add mudguards, front racks, and a few personal items such as a Brooks saddle. Being a "clydesdale class rider" I would also probably upgrade the wheels with some Velocity Atlas rims and wider tyres, but that's just my personal preference.