Hi everybody,

So, I've been thinking about a touring bike, so I can do some nice, fully-loaded touring. Which has always been one of those things I want to do someday (for about 20 years now). That is, if I can convince DH that we want to do this. I've been bitten by the "spend two weeks in Alaska on a touring bike next summer" bug. My friend is the culprit - she's done some major touring in the past, and planted the seed in my poor little brain. I started thinking that there are lots of touring opportunities in our immediate area, and even more within a short distance (NW WI, Northern MN, etc). My biggest problem is the dog that we are both so crazy about, we can't stand to leave her. Can you carry a 50lb dog in a handlebar basket? A very LIVELY 50lb dog?

So, if I do this (or we, as the case may be), I have to decide used (Ebay, most likely), or new (Trek 520 would be my most available choice). If I go the used route, what should I look for? More specifically, what brand, model, features? Do I make disc brakes a priority? I don't really want to spend a bundle, so depending on the moment, either used and a really really good deal, or the opposite end of my scale, the 520 (I think it lists for $1500, but I'm sure our LBS would be less). DH and I both have a tendency to end up spending more on our toys than we initially plan, so my original idea of used for $300 probably won't happen, but perhaps sanity will prevail this time.

Do touring bike sizes run similar to road bikes? Do I just go by standover height? Right now I have a 50cm Trek 5200 and a 15.5" Trek Fuel Ex9, both unisex (WSD does not fit me - I feel all cramped up). I am 5-6ish, with a long torso and short legs for my height. In my bare feet, I measure about 30" from the floor to my crotch.

Unfortunately, my shopping options are limited. My favorite LBS is a Trek dealer (hence the 2 current and 4 previous Treks, as well as DH's 3 current and 2 previous). The owner is a friend (well, we have been buying skis & bikes there for 20 years ), and while we do have another LBS nearby, I'd feel like a traitor (I buy other stuff there, but haven't ever bought skis & bikes there). The Trek guy also has Kona, Gary Fisher, Lemond, & maybe something else. The other place has Giant and/or Specialized? Not sure. Otherwise, a few hundred miles to a real city with big shops. I'd rather buy used than a new one from elsewhere, anyway. I am fairly confident in saying that I doubt either local place has a touring bike in stock.

Any advice? Anybody have a primo, late model tourer, just gathering dust? Should I just not do it at all? Okay, I think I know you people well enough in this short time to know that NOBODY will tell me that!