Would it be fair to say that touring bike tend to make the best loaner bikes for cheap CX builds?
I am assuming most touring bikes will have drop bars, canti brakes, cro-mo frame, triple cranks, more relaxed geometry, good strength because they are built to withstand many miles on unknown terrain and weather. You don't want your tour to be ruined by weak components or frame so they tend to be a little stouter than racing bikes.