Hey there KiltedCelt!
Have you tried adding a front rack and packing an item or two onto the front rack, for balance?
If you are in a financial bind right now, it might be best to try the front rack idea, first. That is, unless you're going to be touring or riding with loads, anytime soon.
Of course, ideally it would be more advantageous to have a touring bike that's built for carrying loads. It will quite naturally, have a longer wheel base, as all tourers typically do. However, unless you're planning a tour or plan to carry a load soon, I would resort to temporary fixes. Leastwise, until you're more financially prepared to absorb the extra cost. Besides, you can always add the front rack to your tourer after its purchase, in the future.
- Slim
