I know you are really wanting to buy the touring bike next week, but since you are so new to the sport, I really think you'll be happier with a bike that you bought after you got a few hundred miles in on the bike you have.

Once you start riding more frequently, meeting other riders, and seeing what others like and dislike about their bikes will really help you to decide what you need. As soon as your are more confident and skillful on your own bike, your new friends will be more likely to let you try their bikes so you can learn the subtle differences between one bike and another. After all, they went through the same agony of trying to find bikes in their sizes. That way you will have a much better idea of the features you will want, or not.

I would really fear that if you bought your touring bike now, you will be selling it in a year to get the bike you really want. I sort of look at as though you have to kiss a lot of frogs before you meet the handsome prince. The only problem is that the bike specs on paper just can't translate into how the bike actually fits and rides.

And finally if the local shops don't have a bike in your size to try, make them bring one in for you. I know they may try to tell you that you have to buy it but get real. I know this economy has been hard on bike shops, and it's hard on the customers too. But in most cases it's just crazy to spend $$$ on a bike if you haven't ridden it first. And if the shop absolutely refuses, then I'd take my business to another shop.

My two cents. And I hope you meet the handsome prince.