I'm driving myself crazy here. I am going on my first long bike tour (southern tier) and my $300 Diamondback comfort bike isn't going to cut it (although it did OK in the MS150 and in my first triathlon). I need a new bike but I can't even figure out what kind I need. Originally I though the Surly Long Haul Trucker was the bike for me (http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=18209) but when I told the guy at the LBS that the tour organizers recommended tires no wider than 28c he said if it was that fully supported and the roads were that nice then the LHT's weight was going to make me suffer needlessly. I hopped on a Giant OCR1W and loved the ride. But others have said the chain stays on the OCR1 are too short and my heel is going to hit panniers.

So do I want a touring bike? Is a road bike OK? I even tried the Surly Cross Check cyclocross bike and thought that was a nice compromise... until I got on the Giant OCR1. I know I have to find a bike that's comfortable but once I do that, the bike has to be incredibly durable and reliable AND be able to hold my stuff.

Any help is appreciated. Thanks.