Just did my first tour from portland to sanfran this last fall on a Trek 520 and I am thirsty for more. Unfortunately I had to sell the 520 to buy a plane ticket back home so now I am searching for another road machine- the next tour being New Zealand. So... after budget considerations Ive narrowed my sights down on the Fuji Touring http://www.fujibikes.com/Specialty/Touring/Touring.aspx . and this tasty number http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/windsor/cyclo.htm a cyclocross.

The fuji is a solid bike but im expecting to be riding some gravel, dirt, muddy, as well as paved roads in NZ. The reason why im looking at the cyclocross.


What I need from you is insight in these areas:
1. Will the cyclocross frame hold up to heavy loads
2. Is it going to kill me not having a granny gear
3. Any other thoughts throw em at me

Cheers!