Many times when touring I have encountered cyclists with highly engineered and technologically advanced touring bikes that are amazing in their complexity.
People tend to spend to protect themselves from trouble, with the result that there are some amazing cycles out there that really are over engineered with redundant features.
What sort of bike do you need? Primarily one that is comfortable with a more 'sitting up' style rather than leaning forward racing style.
Touring Bike Frames?
Keep it simple. its no use having a high tech magnesium or carbon fibre bike, to save weight and then have it break in the middle of no where. With a steel frame, even a third world country an effect a repair if the frame or forks break. The more sophisticated the frame the more trouble it will be to repair.
Remember that there is no sense in sacrificing strength on the frame to reduce weight. Weight is going to be something you will learn to adapt to.
My bike is an old 'hybrid' from the 1990's. Its a steel frame, with mountain bike handle bars and gearing. It might be worth about $200 to a blind man, yet all the components have been replaced and checked.
The moral is, don't go for the most expensive, or the most sophisticated, go for the most reliable, and the easiest to repair. Cycle touring is not a fashion show.
Bike frame Summary
- Get a solid frame that can easily be repaired - Steel might be the best.
- Get a frame that you feel comfortable in using,
- Make sure it is the right size for you
- Make sure that you have a 'head up' view, not a 'head down' racing view.
- Use your bike for about 6 months before embarking on a big tour.