I just built my brother a 62cm DC for road riding and commuting. The frame seems quite stout, has the eyelets for racks and slack geometry. The ride is very stable and predictable Neither of us could probably use this frame with panniers without some extra modifications, since we both have big feet (14 & 15). But for someone with normal-size feet, this frame seems great for touring. A DC in black or green with the black Surly Long Haul Trucker fork or the IRD lugged cross fork would make a sweet setup.