Originally Posted by noahj

The big difference between the NWT and the Pocket Rocket is the wheels, and what the wheels allow. The NWT will have 406 rims and v-brakes; the Pocket Rocket 451 rims and calipers. Even though both types of rims are nominally 20 inches, the 451s are a good deal larger (good for road riding). But the 406 rims give clearance for fat, cushy tires, while the 451s are limited to narrow road slicks up to 1 3/8". Even if you won't be going off-road, the 451s aren't good on bad roads. If you find yourself on cobblestone streets, you'll start hating the 451s in a few minutes.

For a supported or credit-card tour on good dry roads, the Pocket Rocket will be fine. Other wise, I think it's easier to spec out a NWT so that it'll be a decent road bike than it is to turn the Rocket into a tourer.