Originally Posted by
firebird854
You know what, I take back what I said in my earlier post, I can never have enough bikes... I'm probably not going to buy a purpose-built touring bike, but seriously, I want a fat bike, a gravel bike, a 'cross bike, a mountain bike... it never ends.
This bike would tick some boxes for you. Put on fenders and a rack or two, and you would have an excellent commuter that can carry up to 50 lbs (rated) for light touring...And it'll take tires up to 43mm wide, which is great for exploring gravel roads. I even did a few gravel races (with no fenders or rack, though) on mine before buying a dedicated gravel bike.
Surly, and some other companies, make similar bikes.