The distance makes little difference. A 200 mile trip or a 2000 mile trip put about the same stress on the bike...which isn't much. It's the long term usage of the bike that I was looking at. The bike is cheap. Even the better models still aren't all that expensive.* However a proper touring bike can last for years and years. So long, in fact, that companies can't make money off them and have stopped making what few they made before...Thanks Cannondale

Carbon forks with rubber inserts in them aren't going to be all that conducive to mounting racks on them. Logistically, short trips of 3 to 5 days are harder to plan for and less conducive to going light than longer trips, especially trips of about 5 days. Unless you want to spend all your time doing laundry, a 5 day trip almost requires carrying enough clothes for the entire trip. It's a short trip, who wants to spend the time each night washing clothes?

Other issues are things like integrated headsets aren't going to last as long as replaceable cups and bearings. Lower spoke count wheels might need eventual replacing. Flat bars can cause hand issues...even on short trips...that can take weeks to recover from (been there, got the t-shirt) All of this adds up over time and can result in actually spending more money on making a touring bike out of something that isn't one than biting the bullet and buying a bike that is designed for touring from the ground up.

I really don't have a problem with some of the Sirrus bikes. Like I said, they could be a good platform for an inexpensive touring bike.

*Although if you were looking at the Comp or Expert, you'd be better off looking at a 'real' touring bike like the LHT Complete. Similar price with much better spec and no funky suspension.