Touring - First Touring Bike--Bianchi Volpe

Hello, all! I'm new to the forum and have just spent some time reading through the available threads. What a wealth of knowledge!

I've just returned from my first self-supported loaded tour near my home in Northern Michigan (Petoskey to Frankfort via the Leelanau Peninsula, 208 miles/3 days). This was accomplished on my converted Gary Fisher Paragon mountain bike but since I enjoyed the tour I'm preparing to purchase a dedicated touring machine this winter.

I've looked at several touring bike options including the Trek 520, Fuji Touring, and Bruce Gordon BLT, but am leaning toward the Bianchi Volpe for the following reasons:

1. Price/value (~$750 for dedicated touring bike equipped with Tiagra/Deore component group).
2. LBS sells/services Bianchi.
3. Fewer modifications would be required to make the Volpe a "true" touring bike (only potential change would be 28/38/48 crankset to 22/32/44).
4. I prefer STI over bar-end shifters.
5. Bianchi reputation is good from what I've heard.

Any experience with the Volpe and comments on my above points would be greatly appreciated!

B.:beer:

I have owned 2 Bianchis I still have one a '83 San Remo steel frame touring bike. It is the most comfortable ride I have ever owned. I find Bianchi gives you real value for your money and they will last forever with proper mantainence. I used to own a Grizzly it was stolen by a thief who knew his bikes, they broke into my car to get it out of the back seat. I just put a down payment on one with my LBS (on sale for 950 almost half off) when I am done paying that one off I am going to purchase a Bianchi Eros for my century rides.

The important thing is that it fits you. If it does, I think it's a winner. I'd own one myself if there'd been a Bianchi dealer handy at the time I bought my Novara.

RichC