The green Miyata it is then!
I've had some time to mull over the idea of taking each bike. It just makes more sense to take the newer Miyata. Both Miyatas have 700c wheels. But the newer one is better built.
I'll be investing in a wheel build with some Mavic A319 rims 36h (front/rear) and installing the front lowrider rack into the Miyata as suggested. I was hoping to taking the Bianchi, but I found the Miyata to be much more comfortable.
I'll also look into getting the quill stem adapt thing and going threadless for the stem for a more upright position.
Will update in a couple of weeks.