Hello all. I am a dedicated cyclist and work out on a Giant Rapid for fitness. However, I poked around in here a bit and I am being turned on to the idea of touring. My rides on my Rapid have been getting longer and I have access to lonely desert roads, not far from my house, here in Arizona, and my road/fitness bike is not up to the abuse because the roads out here get pretty nasty. So I started researching touring bikes and the more that I did the more I liked the idea of 26". The only drawback is that touring bikes are for pretty pricey, so I came up with an idea. I've been looking at a Giant Revel 2 that my LBD will give me for $350. My plan is to buy this bike and train on it. I would first build myself up for commuting to work, 30 miles each way, and carry a light load on a rear rack. Then eventually do some light touring and pull a trailer. I know front shocks will hinder my ride, and the front forks don't lock out, but can be adjusted to be pretty stiff. I have a lot of rough dirt roads out here too that short cut to other highways so I need a softer ride and a stiff frame. I plan on running big apples 2" tires. I've read great things about these tires. My LBS manager is my friend and wants to tour a few years down the road with me, and he's been riding for over 30 years. He commutes 60 miles round trip everyday so I have my work cut out for me. Anyway, I can't reason to buy a touring bike, like a LHT, especially on the nasty roads that are out here. The Revel 2 is has a relaxed geometry and is aluminum. I've heard that Giant's aluminum frames are tougher (lighter too) than the steel that is being used today on most bikes. I'm no expert on this matter so that's why I'm throwing myself to the wolves. What say you?