When I restarted touring after a long hiatus, my intent was in the outback, and towing a trailer and in particular a fair bit of weight. I could not afford the touring bike I was interested in, but also most of the outback riding was and is travelling on dirt/gravel roads. So I decided on a steel/cromo gravel bike, which was similar in looks and equipment to the touring bike I liked. MY bike has done nearly 17000km, and I am quite satisfied with my choice. Next bike maybe a fat bike, or a touring bike that can take 2.5 inch tyres but my 35mm still are doing the job OK. A decent dedicated touring bike is normally pretty expensive over here, maybe over where you are as well, so choose the bike that suits your needs and predominetly the roads and conditions it will be used on.
Last edited by ricrunner; 03-10-19 at 03:56 AM.