Not the OP, but know my LBS has recommended the Space Horse for all-day comfort on a bike/light touring as well. I haven't gotten a chance to test ride yet due to weather. They were suggesting doing a custom build so that I would get the triple with a granny gear that I want/need. What exactly do you mean by other bikes being available that are "more normal?".

My LBS carries All-City, Surly, and Salsa. The All-City seemed cheaper in price to me than Salsa, and similar to Surly. They are also supposedly a GT dealer, but had none on the floor, and did not recommend them to me for my purposes.