Funny- I went to the website and never even looked at the brand, just the model that was linked. I even had to enter my country.
I just assumed it was North and it was a company id never heard of!

27# isn't light, but its certainly not heavy if you are looking for a touring bike.
I have seen LHTs weigh 28# before racks and fenders.
The Trek 520, new, is apparently a little over 25# Trek 520 Review | riding against the grain
Novara Randonee is just over 28# Novara Randonee Bike - 2014 - REI.com

Dedicated touring bikes just aren't lightweight, typically. It seems that you need weight to carry weight.


You will probably commute more often than tour, correct? If so, then focus on getting something that fits what you do the majority of the time. A commuter will, typically, work fine for short tours as they usually can handle panniers and have a heavier duty wheelset.