cyclocross as a tourer??

[KnottedYet]

I've got a taller stem on order for my Surly. Bad neck, so even though the bars are already up at saddle-level I still want them higher.

I'm getting a Dimension (threadless) that should raise me up another couple inches for $27.

My other bike has a quill stem and I ordered a taller one by Nitto for $40. Quills are nice, cuz you can adjust them all over the place. One of the benefits of having an older bike...

As far as weight on my Surly, I'd guess I've carried about 20 pounds at the most so far. Next time I buy a bag of dogfood I'll pay more attention to how it goes.

[DebW]

If you are planning to travel light, hosteling or credit card touring, then you don't need as long of a wheelbase for stability, so a cyclocross bike becomes more reasonable. Another option to keep in mind is a trailer for heavy loads, which again mean your bike geometry can be more flexible.

[uk elephant]

I've raised the handlebars on my Specialized cyclocross bike. Not sure how to describe it, but basically added an extender thingy which raised it several inches. Works well for me. And I've done some serious miles on that bike, though not with panniers or any heavy loads.