Road Cycling - Bike comparison

I presently have a Raliegh Cross bike 2002 C700 .This is a great bike , I don't know the wt. but 2003 states 25 lbs. It sure doesn't feel 25 . My question : I might get a legitimate road bike . Specialized is at the fore front Question is which.
The Allez Sport, Sequoia,or the Ultegra. I plan to do a lot of touring come this spring and presently haven't ruled out the Raliegh .It is comfortable and it is a pleasure to ride. I get hyper just thinking of getting on it . I rode in 33 deg. temps this week .
So how about a few opinions in respect to the choices ? We all have those don't we ? (opinions).
Thanks:beer: :confused:

For alot of touring,if you maen loaded touring,get a touring bike.

I would be loaded in respect to gear , tent, etc. I am open to all suggestions . As long as it isn't get a moped.L.O.L.
When I bought the Raliegh they said for touring it would be an awesome choice ? I have yet to tour with it , but have ridden it for 50 or so miles at a time and besides the sore butt it does the trick. Loaded I don't know but I plan to try a few loaded dry runs when it gets a tad bit warmer.

:beer:

Yes, get a touring bike, by all means. The frames have braze-ons for attaching pannier frames, trailers, etc. The frame geometry may be a little different (longer wheelbase). Why don't you go to the "touring" section of BikeForums and ask those with the most experience.

Ijust bought a Raliegh Competition. It's too early to tell as I only have a around 20 miles on it, but so far it feels great. Weight wise it is right around 20 lbs. I have a Yeti Kokopelli that is around 25 lbs and the difference is definitely there. Good luck on your options there are a ton (depending on what your looking for). My own decision was based on the gear and most bang for the buck and not on having a "name".

Hi,
LL Bean has the Mikado touring bike on sale right now for $650.

A friend of mine just came back from a West Coast tour. No touring bike, no paniers, no little "BOB" wagon... just a road bike, a VERY small backpack and a credit card.... I am definitely going to give that a try.