Exactly the discussion I was looking for; thanks nun. I'm presently 'building' up an old steel Miyata triple cross as a touring bike, but it will take time. In the meanwhile, I have two carbon bikes I was planning on using for 2 or 3 day trips, with a setup almost as you have. My bike is a Trek FX 7.9...which is CF. I love this bike, and it was sold to me as a light CC touring bike [among other uses]. It actually has frame stays for the addition of a rear rack for example. But I've been hesitant to use this bike with a pack, or a rear rack with panniers etc. After reading this thread, you've helped me overcome some of my hesitancy. I like the miyata, but I LOVE the 7.9 FX bike (no longer made). I also plan on using my open pro's with ultegra hubs and 32 spokes. Since you started this thread back in March, have you made any trips yet; and how did it turn out? You know, I only read one post in this entire thread that actually gave an actual event of a CF frame failing on a tour or randonneur of any kind. [maybe I missed another post on that too, ha ]. [or did I miss a post]...