Holy Cow, those are some impressive essays, Brian and Rich.

I'll just say that touring can be done on ANY bike. The American continent was crossed by big wheeled bikes back in the mid-1800's when there the best roads were unmarked, unmapped dirt paths.

Every year, I bring a group of young boys on a 40 mile bicycle tour. I loan the kids single speed ballooners that they think are fabulous.

As a kid, a friend of mine road from Whitewater, Wisconsin to Chicago, Illinois on a Schwinn Stingray - to see a Jimi Hendrix concert, no less. A one-way distance of about 120 miles for a total trip of approximately 240 miles.

So, almost any bike style available today can be used effectively for touring. Perhaps some bikes are faster. Some bikes may be more comfortable, but almost any bike can get you there and back.