I bought the '06 tricross comp last month and really like the bike. So far I've been using it to commute on raid and dirt paths. I've also ridden it on trails where I normally ride my mtb. It has all the eyelets to attach racks to use it for touring. I've haven't carried a load yet but I suspect that it will handle just fine. In fact I'm trying to sell my Trek 520 touring bike now that I have the tricross.

I haven't ridden or seen the Bianchi so I can't comment on that.