Here's my question: how long would an aluminum frame last if you're going on 1000 mile tours with approximately 60 lbs of gear attached to the bike. I'm a touring novice, but I'd really like to buy a bike I can do it all on: grocery shop, tour long and short, and race a bit of cyclocross (just for fun). I'm just not convinced an aluminum bike could withstand the heavy touring over time as well as a steel or ti frame. Is that accurate? Is it worth just going steel? I was leaning towards the Salsa Vaya. I did see these new Trek models coming out, and as a bike shop mechanic, I could get a sweet deal on one of these new Treks, and it's tempting.