Everyone knows the Atlantis is a boutique bike. Anyone who disagrees is simply in denial That's not to say that it isn't a strong bike that can take a beating. However, paying $1400 for a lugged, production bike is a waste. For another $200 or so you can get yourself a custom bike that looks exactly the way you want and fits you like a glove. When you are spending $1400 for just the frameset, is $200 that much more money? I also think that the whole "with steel bikes you can repair your bike in the middle of the desert!" mantra is simply nonsense. If you are in the middle of a remote area and your bike is that badly damaged are you really going to trust it to someone who might not know the first thing about bike repair? and possibly make it worse? Also, why do people think Aluminum is an "exotic" material? It's common all over the world. I would think that if your bike is so badly damaged that it is unridable and needs to be welded in the middle of the sahara, you have way bigger problems on your hand than your bike. Here is some links to a couple who has really been touring around the world for 3+ years in remote areas.
http://downtheroad.org/Equipment/Bik...ng_Bicycle.htm
http://downtheroad.org/Equipment/Bik...eur_Hanger.htm
http://downtheroad.org/Equipment/Bik...epair_Myth.htm
http://downtheroad.org/Equipment/Bik...ring_Bikes.htm

The Atlantis is a good frame. However, I just think it's way overpriced for what you get. Keep in mind I'm not a "Aluminum is the best touring material in the world guy!" so please don't peg me as such. The frame I ride on is a 2001 Trek 520. I just think there are some huge misconceptions out there in the touring world that need to be addressed by people that aren't in the business of marketing bikes (oops, i mean building bikes) .