I have a Trek 520. I bought it because of the price, steel frame, fork eyelets, and "touring" geometry. I use it to commute with little to no load, and occassionally for long road rides with the handlebar bag, camera, and a jacket tied to the rear rack. It works well - but I can't "race" on it...

I weighed options, and then weighed some more. This is my utility bike - I ride it in the ugly weather, with full fenders, and usually some bags. I debated a custom from Vanilla, a "custom" production from Rivendell, and even a Thorn. The Trek is priced low, respectable, and if I trash it I'm not going to worry too much about it.

My Trek is rock solid loaded or not... even at 35 -45 mph and I've had it beyond 55 mph with no problems. (rear panniers full for work)

That said I'm searching for more of a credit card touring setup... and I may even use my LeMond with a light seat rack for it... just not sure yet.

Find something you can leave out in the rain, get dirty, and strap all sorts of stuff to. Ride your nice road bike when you get back... or just go inn to inn with minimal set-up.