I've just read my own advice from 10 years ago and I still agree with most of it. About three years ago I built up a trek 520 from frameset for loaded touring. It's a great bike but neither I nor my load weigh enough to make it comfortable. The oversized tubing and the oversized 1 1/8 inch fork are too stiff. If your body and load weight are enough to get it up to about 250 lb I would recommend it. I just bought a 1982 Trek 720 double-butted 531 frame that I think is going to be perfect. I have two other old 531 frames that I'm experimenting with. I still like my 20 year old Jamis Aurora also. If your body weight and your load weight are on the light side I think the newer Trek 520 and LHT are over built.