tcs, bit of a clue how poorly the touring segment is being met when CX bikes are the only drop bar bikes a person can get that will take larger than 28mm tires. I agree with your observation about design criteria being totally different but it does illuminate how well built some CX bikes are but I wonder if aluminum CX bikes provide some of that torsional rigidity with their larger top tubes? My take on it is that CX geometry is suited to shifting weight far back on descents which has nothing to do with carrying weight far aft of the rear axle.