I'll be doing my first tour in early June (approximately 320 miles over 4 days) to "try it out". I want to do more tours. Maybe it's the C&V mindset I have but I couldn't justify spending up to a couple of thousand dollars (including a bike) to get started. My wife wouldn't allow it and I wouldn't do it anyway. I'm using a hybrid I got free and coverted to bar end shifters and drop bars. I've slowly collect racks, panniers, handlebar bags and gear I didn't have for camping (or had or that wasn't appropriate for a bike) over the past three years. It spreads the cost out. I did "splurge" on a new set of wheels for the bike. Maybe some day I'll get a "true touring" bike", something more modern. But, right now, I'll just use what I have and make it work.