I have axiom champlains for rear panniers and I can easily get 50 pounds of stuff in each one. Perfect for beer runs. I dont use the platform for much as my hammock and sleeping bag fit in my bags.

I just associated the higher weight capacity with more durability, which is what I'd want for touring.

Dazed, it looks like LeeG has your questions covered, certainly more thorough than I could be.

On the cross levers, they were a pleasant surprise for me, as I stated on another thread, I didn't know they came on the bike when ordered. You may want to check at your LBS or ask them to check to make sure they all do, mine came with cross levers, can't say they all do though. It did not come with the toe clips as listed but the lbs ordered a set for me at no charge.

On the chainrings, the fifty is not a concern for me, if I change a chainring it will be the small one, the 30. Not sure I will change it, future hills will tell, but my feeling is that a 26 or 24 would be better.

The only real panniers I have are the Axiom LaSalles, really like them, perfect for my purposes. I also us the Nashbar daytrekker on the front some times, small but useful, will probably get others, maybe another set of the LaSalles in the future.

The 440 chainstays have not been a problem.

Did you contact Europe Bound and see if they still have the Opus Largo in stock? It's also local (ish, depending on where you live) and the price is less than the Fuji you're looking at. Bike Depot does give 5 years of free service with the purchase of a bike, though, which is pretty appealing.

I just called them and they do have them for $950 right now. $150 cheaper than the Fuji Touring. I'd like to hear some experienced bicycles tourists say which of these bikes they would prefer. Is the fuji worth the extra $150. Aesthetically, I think I prefer the fuji. The largo has a strange fat fork, but parts-wise they seem to be pretty similar.

Obviously I'd prefer to spend less if possible, so tell me why I might want to spend the extra on the fuji.

parts can always be swapped, some times it's a must, to make it fit properly,

I don't know how much Bike Depot will be willing to bargain, but I got my Largo from Europe Bound for $750 or so. It came to just over $800 with tax. If the ones they still have are the same (2007 model, white/green paint), you should be able to bargain them down to there. I didn't even really try.

The spring bike show is in a month. I suggest you go and have a look around. They may have last year models or older for a good price.
I don't think anybody mentioned Devinci bikes, they make touring Caribou. Aluminum frame.

Europe Bound sells bikes now???

It was Europe Bound that I called. On Front st. Perhaps its the new model?

I think that the price tag on the one I got said $950, but they bargained me down to $750. LOL.

The advice above about the spring bike show is also good. There's bound to be lots of selection there.