Touring - Bianchi Stelvio

Hello! First time posting in the touring forums. Usually in the ssfg forum but decided to branch out a little : P

Anyways, down to business. I've been looking for a touring bike for a couple months now for this summer and the summers to come and I believe(this is where you guys come in) that I've struck gold.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=380017933888&_trksid=p3907.m32&_trkparms=tab%3DWatching

Basically I just want to get some opinions on this bike. I already know the frame will fit me like a glove so now I just need to know if it's worth it.

- Frame- Does anyone have any experience with a Bianchi Stelvio?
- Pricing- How much do you think it's worth? Looking to only spend 600(excluding tax). Do you guys think it will go for more?
- Any other advice would be much appreciated as well.

Thanks!

-Jabikuta

It is a performance road bike, with corresponding geometry that does not lend itself to touring with panniers. By this I mean the short trail, which will likely make the bike unstable with a load, as well as short chainstays that do not offer enough clearance for panniers to clear your heels (unless you use those tiny rear pans shown in the pic). Look at a real loaded touring bike and you will see how much longer the chainstays are, the greater wheelbase, front wheel trail, etc.

I also think the wheels will not be up to snuff since they are 20 years old and probably too lightweight to begin with, and 12 speeds may not be enough range if you hit the hills. Of course you can tour on whatever you want but the old adage about the right tool for the job applies here - it makes life so much more pleasant. For $5-600 you can get a fairly recent used Trek 520 or Cannondale touring rig in good shape that will be far more suitable. Happy hunting!

Thanks so much for the advice it really helped! Ganna steer clear of this one and start looking for a trek 520 : )