I've read with interest about the stuff people have changed out on their touring bicycles. And I thought, "why spend the extra money?" I soon realized that I did very much the same thing, by changing brakes, shifters, cassette, tires, fenders, probably front rack/bags.
I walked past my road bicycle on the way to the bathroom, and took a good look at it. I've done some maintenance to it, tires, chains, HB tape, etc. But it's the same as I bought it, with no major component changes. Same with my around town bicycle. Better pedals is all I did to it.
There are those that buy a frame and then all the parts. And find that cheaper for a touring bicycle.
There are the semi-custom and custom shops that let you chose your components & geometry.
My guess is tourers modify their stuff more than any other group. Why is this neccessary?
Why is there so much modification of touring bicycles?
Or is there?
So one big question is; If you go to buying a moderate frame and all the components, How far away financially are you from going to semi-custom? With the components you want and a much better quality frame?
2nd question; Is to buy a moderate bicycle like a Masi, Trek 520, or other such thing. Then send it to Bilinkey or such, for S&S install and a paint job. How far away are you from Co-motion or such and getting a better frame the stuff you want etc. from the very beginning.