Originally Posted by chefisaac

I talked with the head mechanic at my fav bike shop. Looks like we might try to modify things. Two things right off will be the bars (going to drops) and the possibility of changing out the front forks. I do not use the suspension anyway so if there is no way to put a front rack on, then I will go to the idea of changing the forks.

The frame is aluminum. I know the majority of touring bikes are steel. Is aluminum bad for touring?