Touring-possible on a CX??

[jt657]

I'm thinking of embarking on some touring next year in Europe- either in Spain or Rhine/Danube route. I want to keep costs down and be as independent as possible so camping seems like the best option. However, I will be needing a new bike beforehand. Obviously for out-and-out touring something like a Ridgeback is what I need. However, I seriously like the look of the Boardman CX. I also want to use the bike for some riding in this country at weekends etc as well as long-distance touring. Where I live, the roads are sh*t* (despite our fuel being the priciest in Europe, our roads seem to be amongst the worst-!-), and I also do a bit of off-road cycling too so a CX would seem to make sense in that respect. Also it seems like a great bike for sub £1k.

HOWEVER if I'm to take all the camping gear on the tour, I'm wondering if it's possible with a Boardman. Can anyone fit all that gear on the rear-(if I went to Spain warm, cold weather gear wouldn't be needed). OR does anyone think the CX could be fitted with front panniers?

Here's a link to the bike:

www.boardmanbikes.com/cx/cx_team.html