It's a new bike, but it's the right size. I'm not new to road bikes, and I have one already. This other one I'm modifying (the all-purpose Bianchi Volpe) can be used for cyclocross, touring, or racing. As the manufacturers acknowledge, the bike won't excel at any, but it can be adapted to serve various purposes. So, to adapt it to touring, I'd like to raise the handlebars a bit for a more upright position.

As I look at other bikes designed with touring in mind (e.g., Surly Long Haul Trucker), I can see they come with a longer stem already, so that the top of the handlebars and the top of the seat are at the same height. With a steerer tube extender, or an adjustable stem (where I can change the angle), I would get some flexibility if I want to adjust the height of my handlebars for different purposes (more forward position when looking for speed/aerodynamics, more upright position when long distance riding season arrives).