I've got a 93 XO4 and I absolutely love the ride. Unfortunately for the bike, it's my only winter ride, so it sees way more abuse than it should, but it keeps me going. Faster, and better climbing, than any hybrid bike has a right to be. I don't know if this has any bearing on touring or not, though. I will say it is the easiest bicycle to ride no-hands on that I have ever ridden. That sure means a lot