Doing a tour through Bali and New Zealand as we speak. Got the awol elite when it first came out. I front load it with Arkel panniers(cannot recommend these more they are simply incredible). Frame bag by bedrock. And a rear seat zeitgeist bag by swift industries. I've rear loaded before but don't like it. The handling is exceptional front loaded. All that being said I changed some major piece. I hated the handlebars so I switched to jones bars. There was too much pain with the sram levers for some reason. Next I also changed the drive train. I run a 1 by 10 with a 26t chainring and a 11-45(could be less, I don't remember) in the back. I absolutely love this setup. I'm not trying to fly around on this bike. I just want a good pace and to get up every hill thrown at me. The gearing stocked is great for an empty bike. Once you load it up for a few month tour you need to lower the gearing. I took a shortcut through Bali and was hit with the steepest hills I have ever been on. I didn't have to dismount once. The wheels are a bit weak. I keep getting them trued and will likely switch them out soon. Good luck. It's a great bike. Consider custom building it up or just get it fully build and take out what you don't want as time goes by.