>>1360572i plan on buying a new Jamis Renegade
my budget is 1,000 dollars for the bike although I wouldn't mind buying something in the 700 range and using those spare 300 for the trip necessities such as a solo tent, rail for the bike etc
the bike is steel and weighs 25lbd (pounds) i dont want to haul more than 8 pounds of bags and gear to be honest as you mentioned...
hills will be painful