Wanting to do some first-world bike touring, meaning I expect nothing worse than gravel roads.
Gonna start with Iceland for 4 weeks next fall, then probably Hokkaido next.
I've done a lot of cycling in my youth but it's been 10 years since I have ridden seriously, and the only bike I currently own is a 90s stumpjumper hardtail which is in need of replacement of basically everything except the frame.
I am considering buying a MEC Cote - the price is within budget and, somewhat more importantly, it is actually available to buy in Canada. Please note that where I live there is no used bike market unless I drive halfway across the continent, so that's not really a consideration.
Opinions on the MEC Cote for first world touring?
https://www.mec.ca/en/product/5059-557/Cote-Bicycle 