2019 Salsa Vaya
- Chromoly w/ Carbon fork
- Shimano 105 - 11 speed
- Up to 700x50 (700x45 w/ fenders)
- Teal or Purple (Better Colors)
- $1800 MSRP

2019 Trek 520
- Chromoly w/ Aluminium fork
- Shimano Sora / Alivio - 9 speed
- FAQ lists 700x38 as largest recommended
- Lower gearing for hills
- Grey or Red
- $1680 MSRP

Either bike will do, but you need to decide what your future plans will be. I don't tour, but own a Vaya with a steel fork that I have used mostly for commuting. It has been a great bike for that task and I ride it unloaded. A bike like the Vaya is probably better for light touring or as an all around bike. A modern 520 is more stable with a large load, so if you intend to do more than light touring, a bike like the 520 may be better. I question the aluminium fork on the 2019 520 so you may want to find an older one if you stick with this model. As most people would suggest, you need to test ride the bikes to see how each feels to you.

I did pick up an old 520 after I bought the Vaya, which I built up to match the fit of my Vaya, so I am now using my 520 as my commuter. However, it is more of a sport tourer with 430mm chainstays and a 50mm BB drop (23" frame) so not a good comparison to a modern 520.