Originally Posted by john_dun
Your right it would be ideal to put slicks on my MTB. However I cannot fit a rack as the bike has discs. I want a 52 tooth ring as i'll beable to go a lot faster! Generally i'm looking for something about 11 - 13 kg.
To be honest, I've looked at the Sirrus as a touring bike for my wife. It's not the best geometry for touring but would be servicable. However, doesn't the Sport have discs also? Looking on-line, it does have eyelets but I don't know if you could shoehorn in racks. Check with a bike shop before you buy.
Gearing: a 52/11 is a steep gear, even for a race bike. Something like a 48/11 is a nice comprise between a road bike gear and a mountain bike gear (44/11). Gets you down the road and isn't too high to pedal comfortably.
Flat bars: Been there. Done that. Spent 3 months with my hands feeling asleep. You need to have lots of hand positions when you tour. Even if you are only going for a week. Last tour I took was on a road bike with drop bars and I only had a few fingers that tingled, including my index finger right on the outside next to the nail. One little spot about the size of a pencil eraser. Tingled for 3 weeks getting smaller every day. Damned weird experience. But better than the other time.