Well I have made my decision. I phoned the store today and ordered the bike with the items I listed but upgraded to the LX crank and shifters. That upped the price by $40 C but I think it will probably be worth it.

I would like to thank all of you for your great help. Let me explain a few things about my choices. I chose the straight bar because no matter how many times I tested with the drop bars I could never get comfortable with them. The shifting, the brakes and the feel never worked properly, no matter how many times we switched things around. I went to the straight bars because they felt the best. That may be because most of my touring and riding has been done on a MTB.

I know this limits my hand positions but I think I can live with that for now. Most of my touring will be less than 100km per day. When I recover financially from this purchase I can begin to try out new types of handlebars or add barends.

Right now I can't wait to take delivery of the bike. I pick it up on Friday, just in time for a long weekend. I intend to put it to the test right away. Again thank you very much for quick responses to my request.