Hello
I think one of reason that the advise is odd is that we are not clear as to what you are doing/want to do. If you are backpacking around New Zealand, planing on going to Australia next and then potentially Singapore and looking to move to bike touring. I would look at two plan the first as you have seen almost any bike will work to tour so get a cheap bike that is good for riding. Two go with something like a bike friday or a bike with S&S so that you are not paying the bike fee when flying. The second is more up fount but with 150USD bike fee pre flight you should make up the higher cost of the bike. An example of S&S
Travelers Check | Bikes | Surly Bikes
A bit more information about what you are doing/planning would help with suggestions.