There is a cheap option (but one completely lacking in snob appeal). At the bike shop recently, I noticed how similar the geometry of their 26er "comfort" bikes was to my beloved Thorn Ripio. Longish chainstays, lowish bottom brackets, "suspension" forks, strong frame (though aluminum), V-brakes, lots of braze-ons. Bikes like the Giant Sedona, Specialized Expedition, Motobecane Jubilee, etc.
You can probably find a cheap, lightly used example pretty easily since they're most often sold to casual bike path toodlers who quickly abandon cycling for the safety of their sofas. Strip it down of its questionable/undesireable parts and build it up exactly like you want. Expedition tourer on the cheap! Plus, the jaw-drop factor of a drop bar, F80 equipped Jubilee is not to be discounted...