avanti bladecomp or merida speeder3

Hi,this is the first time I've used a forum so we'll see how it goes.
I've used a mountainbike for commuting daily & weekend bikepaths etc for 2yrs & want to upgrade to a lighter,faster bike
for about Aus$1500.Even though I've always had bikes-usually the old 'racing' bikes I've only recently caught the bug and don't know lot,technically.
My research has led to 'flat bar road bikes' [not hybrids]
Avanti blade comp or Merida speed3 [Giant Perigee is too heavy]Does anyone know of the merits or otherwise of these bikes?
I may be getting too hung up on wether they're strong enough for a bit of touring which I want to work towards.
They both seem a good comprimise between lightness & strength.
Thanks,
Cate.