Originally Posted by bradw
2) I may be wrong, but it looks like it has side-pull brakes like you see on racers and sport tourers. Those generally don't have enough stopping power for loaded touring. Loaded touring bikes usually have cantiliver, v-brakes, or sometime disc brakes.
I'd have to disagree. I have used only "side-pull" caliper brakes for touring, and if properly adjusted, I can stop on a dime.
I think that mostly you are right, however, it wouldn't be worth it to convert this for touring. I've done it, and it is costly...