I have two tourers - one is built around a frame specifically designed for touring - with 501 tubing and touring angles, the other is more of a road frame, with not quite so good tubing (straight chromo). The componentry on the 501 is higher spec, but both haver the same tyres and a pretty close wheelset. I weigh about the same as my friend, and carry about the same amount of gear on tour, but mine (the 501) is the more comfortable bike to ride, and, interestingly, when cruising down hill, together and chatting, mine will always start to edge ahead of his, and he'll end up having to peddle a bit to catch up. What makes the difference, I don't know - maybe it's just the weight difference, though it's probably only a few pounds. Maybe it's just the better tubes with the better angles.