touring bike help

[cindysue]

I'm double posting this because I think the "open topic" gets more traffic and I am running out of time......

OK, so I've been consumed with school and have put off until the last minute
the task of getting another bike for a self-supported 3-week bike tour in 6
weeks. My orbea dama race with compact double just won't do it for hauling
30-40lbs of gear myself (bob trailer).

I'm looking at:

trek 520 (may be out of my price range unless I can find last years model)
Bianchi Volpe
Fuji Touring
or something: steel, low gears, and under $1200

I don't want to spend a lot of money since my orbea broke the bank last
year. I'm not sure if I have time to special order so may have to get
something in stock. I am 5'10 and all my bikes have been size 56. My inseam
is about 33.5

your opinions on the above bikes, who tends to carry these bikes in-stock,
and anything else that would seem helpful is much appreciated.

p.s. plan was to go to France but airline tickets are phenominal so it looks like we'll be going to new england (RI, Maine, CT, ....)

pps - yes I've searched the forums........

[Triskeliongirl]

Consider a bike friday. The air glide and new world tourist would be good for touring, and there is not fee to take them on a place. I noticed a few on ebay in your size right now. Your size is very common on ebay in fact.