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BigAura, I think a modern steel touring bike's stiffness is very close to an aluminum framed touring bike. I could be wrong, but none of us want a bike that flexes under a load.
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GamblerGORD53, Wheels used for touring are under a lot of stress, but perhaps less so than those used on a cargo bike or a tandem. FWIW I tend to stress build quality more than the individual components. Even with the best parts and the most skillful build, there are no guarantees WRT longevity.
Brad