Hi Guys. I faced the same dilemna when I selected my touring bike, but the fact that I got a great deal on a cyclocross frame helped make up my mind. I have a Redline Cyclocross Pro Team or something like that, it too is aluminum, which I was concerned about to begin with. Anyway, I use a BOB trailer rather than panniers, and everything works very well, though the tighter geometry gets a little squirrely at about 27 MPH...steep down-hill...I am still trying to figure out the perfect stem angle, but the versatility with the cross bike is unsurpassed. Good luck. Where are you heading on your tour? Zach.