Originally Posted by warrenginn
I bought a Bianchi Strada which has a road-configured steel frame and carbon forks and road tires. I found this the best combo for the types of rides I do - short (100 miles or less) tours on sometimes crappy roads will a good amount of hills. I thought that aluminum frames were a bit harsh for long rides. Even the Lemond Wayzata (or Poprad - same frame) was too stiff with its aluminum fork.
The Strada has great gearing - 11-32 with a triple. And if you're used to straight bars - that's what it comes with. If you're not sure about drop bars (I don't care for them), you may want to be careful before going for the Trek 520. And while some of the components aren't totally first class (Tiagra front d/r and hubs), it's a pretty good value. Check it out:
http://www.bianchiusa.com/strada.html
I might want to add the Bianchi Volpe to this short list. It's incredible that this purchase is going to be based simply on component specs. The most serious issue is FIT! If the bike doesn't fit you, you'v wasted your money and the best component specs won't help.
If you were racing, it would be another story as the 105 group set would be very important. However. This group set was NOT designed for touring as it made for racing. Your mountain bike is a better tourer than any road bike with 105 and this is the problem with the Trek 520 but it can be rectified. The best touring bikes do NOT come in 105 but with basically mountain bike gearing like what you are used to already.
Here's my decision. Sell the mountain bike for what ever you can get. Get yourself a good steel touring bike from Fuji, Trek or Bianchi.