Off-thread:
Originally Posted by
Cyclesafe
Why buy a new bike...?
Say what?!?
Back to the OP's original question, I say it depends on what type of touring you plan to do. A classic touring bike sounds great for ten hour a day trips over paved roads and/or that involve climbing mountains. A cross bike sounds better for shorter trips on unpaved rail trails and the flexibility of biking without the trailer once you get to your destination.