Originally Posted by nfmisso

Bottom line summation: frame material is irrelevant. The frame should be designed and built for the application; which a good bicycle designer can do using many different materials: various iron based alloys (aka steel); aluminum based alloys; magnesium; titanium; beryllium; carbon fiber; glass fiber; bamboo (grass); wood; thermal plastic; etc.

There are tons of opinions out there, a few are valid.

Choosing the frame material first is backwards. First make a list of all your requirements (musts/needs) and wants (would likes) for your touring bike. Then map components and accessories to that list. With your list; visit several custom frame builders, and pick the one that you feel the most comfortable with. And finally, discuss frame materials.