except gregW's offbased comment about classic touring geometry being out of date or something...
A difference of opinion does not make it off-based. I didn't mention anything about "classic frame geometry" all diamond framed bikes are classic, the basic design has not changed since it's inception. What has changed are the materials and components and these just keep getting better and better. That was my point.
I know, I know, steel is real, canti brakes, bar-ends, toe clips, BFE farmer welding steel frames, rigors of touring, rocket science evil STI shifters..............
ils nous détestent parce que nous voyageons!
No hate here, just a love of touring and an open mind to new and better things. I know, I know, new does not mean better, see list above, of course your right I will not descend from the "Touring mantra" again.