Originally Posted by
steve-in-kville
Seriously... I'm weighing all my options. Trying to find something that will check all the boxes. It's a wheel size issue, pure an simple. If I could find a rando bike that can pull the trailer, I'd be set. But that's easier said than done.
Unless you go custom with a Rodriguez UTB or Co-Motion Pangea (both built with 26" wheels) where you can specify most or all of your requirements, the Surly LHT/Disc Trucker is a great option for touring and even randonneuring. Besides getting the engine in tip top shape, careful tire selection for randonneuring will make the most significant impact on speed. For touring where speed is less of a concern, choose a sturdy (given the extra load) puncture-resistant tire like the very popular Schwalbe Marathon Plus.