WSD Road vs. Touring Bike

[EvaToad]

I'm on the verge of purchasing my first road bike in preparation for a century at the end of August. My question for the more experienced riders out there is this: what are the major differences between "touring" road bikes and "road" bikes, especially with respect to entry-level models under and around $1000?

I've test ridden quite a few bikes...my favorites so far have been the Specialized Dolce Triple and the Gary Fisher ARC (not WSD). Because I'm 5'3-4" and have a particularly short torso/reach, I've found the WSD bikes just fit me better; I had the stem changed to a shorter one with about a 100º angle on the Fisher.

However, lately I've been wondering if a bike that's designed for touring/long distance riding (e.g., a Bianchi Via Nirone) -- would be more comfortable for me than a "regular" road bike? I'm planning to train for more long rides after this century, working up in the next year or two to the AIDS LifeCycle. I am *not* a sprinter, so I don't really have a need for speed and don't like an aggressive position on the bike (one of the reasons I didn't enjoy my test ride of an Orbea as much).

If a touring bike is something I should look into, are there women's models that I should look for? Most of the women's models I've encountered (online and in-person) are of the standard road style, designed to be light and sporty. Am I worrying too much? Are these bikes just as suitable for distance riding?

(ftr: I ride a 15yo Bianchi hybrid for my daily commutes, grocery shopping, training rides, dates, and everything in between. She's big-boned and sturdy, so anything in the road category will feel light and zippy, not to mention stiff.)

[PamNY]

I posted a question about bike purchasing a few weeks ago, and got some very helpful answers here.

My question wasn't exactly the same as yours, but there is helpful information about touring bikes.

[Pedal Wench]

The quick answer is that a touring bike is designed for just that - touring. Set up to carry panniers and a longer, more comfy wheelbase. For supported road rides - your century and something like the AIDS LifeCycle, a road bike is ideal.

[Trek-chick]

I think Terry is the only one that makes a womens specific touring bike---shame on the other companies!!! They are beautiful but, pricey

I have a trek 520 that I just got in April (touring bike) that I plan to use on a few centuries,my daily commute, RAGBRAI and hopefully some tours in the future.

My opinion...go with a road bike and set up your hybrid for touring if that is something you want to do in the future.

[Owlie]

I'd say get a road bike.

[FlyingScot]

Totally OT but can I say Owlie I love your sig line. I'm a little slow so I just figured it out. I think I might actually be a slimer.