Phil wrote:
I'm think of buying the Mongoose for touring with full camping gear.
Does anyone out there with one care to coment on it's suitability?

If you really want drop-bars and STI gear shifters, it looks like good
value.
But the gearing is way too high for loaded touring. Change the crankset
for a 22-32-44 or similar, as used on mountain bikes.

Alternatively, get a mountain bike with slicks :-)