I was just being extra facetious with the whole post. There were some good years for the 610, others where it didn't even have cantis. I mean you can't call it a touring bike if it doesn't have cantilever brakes and a lugged steel frame for crying out loud (just kidding, more facetiousness).

The 610s are geat bikes. Like the trek 520 that may be the junior model to the 720, but chances are the unassuming 520s have seen more cross American rides than the 720 because so many people like and tour on them.