I have owned three touring bikes includina a Bob Jackson. I LOVE my Bob Jackson by far most of all and it is a great choice. For groulp, I'd go 9 Speed Sora. In 9-speed groug you can intermix shimano road and MTB o can go long cage derailleur and 36 tooth cassette in the rear.B. Also you have fairly tight gear spacing but niot the finickiness if the tight tollerances of 10 & 11 speed. The wider chain is also a bit stronger. Many trans-am riders have crossed the entire US on 9 speed groups witout needing a single gear adjustment. As further testament note how many 9-speed stock touring bikes you will see. Best for durability and functionality. Not best for bling however?