Group; A ways back Bruce made a few comments on how we as cyclists should support the custom framebuilders etc. I was a bit insulted. My thoughts were along the lines of, "Why should I pay huge cash for what appears to be an overweight POS?"
So before I fired off a flame I went to his website. There he explains in detail the very reasons why a you might want a heavy steel custom bike.
If you want to do unsupported cyclotouring, in effect full loaded biking, there is precious little (to nothing) on the market that would be usable. You can't take your carbon or aluminum toy and load it with 60 lbs. of gear and hope it survives. It won't.
I would encourage any who are thinking of loaded touring to go to Bruce's website and read it.
Bruce, you were right. I salute you!
Steve (don't know Bruce, not selling anything, just educated) Leitgen LA Crosse, WI USA