Originally Posted by Shiznaz
Any of you guys have any experience touring? I've been idly looking at touring bikes but I keep ending up looking at cyclocross bikes instead, which seem more versatile and race-friendly, but with essentially touring (slightly tighter) geometry and the whole glut of brazeons, rack and fender mounts. Soma doublecross comes to mind. Is this a good idea for a bike to cross canada, keeping in mind I will want to fart around on it in Toronto before and after?
One of the things to keep in mind if you are thinking of using a CX frame for touring is heel clearance for the rear paniers, especially since you have big feet. I haven't tried a rack and panniers on my CX frame yet, but I think it may be tight. I don't see why you couldn't use a touring specific frame for cross though, so maybe that's the most practical option.