Thanks for the input.
I say full fledged touring bike, because I'm looking for:
Front and rear rack compatible
3 water bottle bosses
36 spoke wheels
perhaps a dynamo
Last year, I converted my MTB to touring and was quite happy, until the rims started to warp ( I don't mean out of true. I mean the rims themselves warped). Trying to find quality 26" wheels for V brake is quite the challenge.
At least, I have time until the season starts .
Cheers