Yam, I missed this post from couple days ago. I can't give a you a definite answer but if you read posts from the touring threads, eveyone prefers steel for durability, shock absorbing property and stability of steel and fork frames. My feeling is that, aluminim is lighter and therefore bounced more and less absorbing of the shocks. You may not use the Vitesse you orderd for touring but for extended riding, I find the chromoly frame very stable even in my Trek which I have been riding the most lately despite not having shocks, suspension seat post and comfort (sprung) saddle. I read on your latest post that you ordered the Vitesse but if you still have the opportunity to swap it for Speed 7, why not do it unless you really prefer the Vitesse.