I stay clear of all Shimano Tiagra parts-- they are not close to 105 or LX parts. The Randonee has Tiagra brifters and hubs. This is the reason it costs under a thousand dollars. It's a ok bike at a good price, but it's not a bullet proof touring rig.

If you can scrape up the money-- get a good steel frame, 105 or LX hubs, strong hoops laced by hand using double butted spokes, and most importantly-- Bar end shifters. Brifters are for racers. Bar cons are for the rest of us.

A couple of years ago, the Trek 520 was a good touring bike with bar end shifters and nice strong parts that wouldn't brake down. Now Trek puts fancy $250 brifters on the 520 and downgraded the rest of the bike to pay for it. (yes, those wheels are crap). The brifters on the Randonee aren't very good as well, and the wheels are just OK.

Here's my advice to any touring bike shoppers.

1.Surley or other strong frame
2. LX rear deraileur
3. Sugino crank
4. 8 speed Sram cassette/chain
5. Brakes of your choice.
6. bar cons for drop bars.
7. MTB shifters for trekking style bars
8. Professionally hand built wheels.

Stay away from all the francy crap and keep it simple.