Originally Posted by
Happy Feet
I think it might look like a good, light, off road, long distance racing bike as well but would put it in a niche class as far as basic touring is concerned. I also would not hesitate to buy CF if the situation required it but I might hesitate at spending 4K for what I could do with 1K. You could say CF is needed in a race setting but is anyone here touring this year in a way where CF is needed rather than wanted?
Sure. But to be fair to the Salsa people, it isn't marketed as a conventional touring bike. It is, effectively, a gravel racer that can handle a large framebag etc for fast on or off-road touring. It's only the "ideal touring bike" in the eyes of the OP and those who want to do that specific type of bikepacking.
And I must say it looks a highly entertaining bike. Not really my style of riding, but I'd like to try one nonetheless.