Timed up a reply and it timed out on me....
I would probably go with a Jones bar
2x
As much gearing I could get - especially for hill climbing. (I will never race)
Budget? I have no idea, but affordable for sure (not luxury)
I'm fine with used components if they are good quality
and I'm fine with traditional axel and rim brakes
I want to use this specifically for bike touring. Something I can put on a train. Maybe it would be riding Across Iowa for Ragbrai. But mostly rail-trails with the hope of getting across the US EVENTUALLY.
Right now it's a pipe dream while I'm a caregiver to my MIL with dementia. So, this is not something I need to have done/built RIGHT now.
I guess what I really need to do is to find a bike builder near me - B'more area precisely.