Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 18,448
Likes: 6,757
From: ,location, location
Bikes: Foundry Chilkoot Ti W/Ultegra Di2, Salsa Timberjack Ti, Cinelli Mash Work RandoCross Fun Time Machine, 1x9 XT Parts Hybrid, Co-Motion Cascadia, Specialized Langster, Phil Wood Apple VeloXS Frame (w/DA 7400), R+M Supercharger2 Rohloff, Habanero Ti 26
I find the useful things on a touring specific bike are these:
3 braze on mounts for waterbottles
Front and rear rack mounts (preferably front mounts that can handle something like the Tubus Duo rack)
Front and rear mounts for fenders
Mounts for disc brakes
A nice comfortable geometry that can accommodate panniers and me not hitting them.
Triple cranks (give me my Granny Gear or give me death) or a good quality internal hub
Steel frame for a great ride (but chuck out the Hi-Ten)
Drop Bars for multiple hand positions (or trekking/dumbo bars)
Wheels that have plenty of spokes and can handle fully loaded touring
Obviously there are other things I might add to the list but for a "off the shelf"/"from the catalog" sort of bike this is important. Good accessories are important but the basics are above at least for me.