Originally Posted by Sharpshin

IMHO weight is sort of a non-issue on a touring bike, for me at least since I was carrying about 40lbs of gear and water on my last tour.

Anyhow, part of the 2 - 3 lb weight difference between the two will go away when/if you add a rear rack to the Mazama.

As for tires, browsing around I found a 2010 post to the effect that....

REI Bikes

"The Novara Randonee will accept tires 28 to 47mm in width.

Which further blurs the lines between the bikes.

Handlebars are easily replaced, and tires certainly WILL be replaced.

I would go with the one that fits you best.

Mike