Not that I really know what I'm talking about when it comes to touring bikes, but given that the Cannodale is aluminum, I'd only go with that if I was a bigger guy. I think they are similarly spec'd otherwise? If anyone can make an aluminum tourer it would be Cannondale and several people here have spoken highly of them, so you'd probably be OK. I'm 5'7" and 145lbs, so aluminum scares me.....