Hey everybody! I'm planning a cross-country trip this summer. So I need to choose a bike....

I don't really have much experience with touring bikes (have owned a Raleigh M20 for ~8 years (since I was 12), but know a fat-tire would be awful on this type of trip).

I guess what I'm looking for is a WSD bike for someone my size that is primarily a touring bike but can also be used on a daily basis around town and college and can handle some off-road terrain. I want to make sure it's a good investment in the long run. My dad suggested a recumbent, but aside from the xc trip itself, other considerations (transport, parking, keeping it in my apartment) make me think it wouldn't be worth it. If I really should consider a recumbent, though, please feel free to tell me!

My LBS doesn't seem to have anything I'd be interested in -- a few touring models, but nothing that jumps out at me.

One of the first things that caught my eye was the Bike Friday petite series. I'm 5'3 and 125 lbs, so those bikes look great! I like the fact that they're easy to transport, and the trailer option is attractive (it'll be a self-supported trip).

That said, if there's a touring option that's just as good but less expensive, I don't want to ignore it because of an infatuation with BF's. :P I can probably spend up to $1500 on the bike.

Denise, you have Bike Friday experience and seemed to love your bike...could one of their touring models double as an everyday bicycle? Does anyone have suggestions/caveats about any sort of touring bike?

I suppose in conclusion...BF's look great, but I'm not married to any one brand yet. Advice?

Thank you!

Leila