I toured for many years on my 1992 carbon Trek 5200. Although designed for racing, it was an awesome touring bike. The lighter weight was a nice benefit, but the big difference was in the smoothness of the ride. Carbon absorbs so much more road vibration than steel or aluminum. The bike finally died on the Alaska Highway three years ago when the threads on the bottom bracket shell came loose. It wasn't catastophic and I was able to ride 120 miles to the next town. With its lifetime warranty, Trek replaced it with a brand new Madone. Nice customer service.

My 1994 Trek carbon hardtail mtn bike also has thousands of miles, including loaded tours of the Colorado Trail, the Kokopeli and lots of other rough rides. It still looks like new.

So I see absolutely no problems in touring with carbon.

For what it's worth, I now tour on a titanium frame which I designed myself. I went with titanium simply because it always scared me to ship and/or fly with a carbon frame. Titanium should hold up to baggage handlers a little better, But I did go with carbon seat post and fork.

And to answer the earlier question about carbon wheels... the around-the-world touring record was set by some guy who used carbon fiber wheels. I can't remember his name, but it's a good endorsement for the durability of carbon.

Enjoy the new bike!