I think my biggest concern with the 520 is fenders and tire width. I'd like to be able to have fenders and at least 32 mm tires. Would the 520 have the clearance for those?

My understanding is that the reason dedicated tourers have cantilever brakes is so that you can mount fenders. The bike I'm looking at has side-pull calipers. Is there a way to put fenders on a bike w/ caliper brakes?

When I think about it, I only get so many vacation days, so I'll no doubt be using the bike more for commuting and short trips than long fully loaded tours, and I think the 520 would be a great bike for that. But fenders and tires are a concern.

Thank you for all the advice so far.