I have a Bianchi Eros Donna. Love that girl! I rode her across Michigan two summers ago. I had full support so I only carried what I needed for the day. She was great on nice roads but those ultra skinny tires and geometry were not the best for a tour. I also am not "one with the hills"! I think I needed more granny. I also cannot put fenders on her. There simply is not enough fork clearance.

Now I am looking at a touring bike. I want steel and comfort! I want maximum granny gears! All of those bikes seem soo heavy! I really don't plan to do much with panniers. If I went totally self supported I think I would go with a trailer. What I want is something that will handle the terrible roads of michigan, mostly commuting and errands with some light touring thrown in. I am looking at all the usual suspects: Salsa Casseroll, Surly LHT, Novara Randonee, Specialized Tricross, Kona Sutra and a Raliegh (forget the name). The only one I have found to try so far was the Novara.
Are these overkill for what I want to do?
Would a performance hybred be enough?
What's with bar end shifters on touring bikes?