Using my Specialized Ruby for touring?

[Eden]

You might be able to rent a trailer. As long as it is a skewer mount type you could pull one with your Ruby without risk of damaging it.

[moderncyclista]

Do not mount a rack to a Ruby. Trailer is your best option in the short term. In the long term, you may want to consider buying a quality road worthy touring bike. Many excellent choices abound. (Trek 520, Jamis Aurora and Aurora Elite, Surly LHT, Cannondale Touring, Rivendell Atlantis, etc, etc) I've heard of people touring with road bikes, but I wouldn't. There is no bike that uniformly works for "every type of riding." Each have their strengths and weaknesses. Touring bikes have wider tires, lower gear ratios, longer chainstays (to prevent heel strike), usually steel frames (can be aluminum ie. Cannondale Touring1&2.) *Touring bikes don't roll as fast as road bikes but a leisurely pace is best to prevent fatigue and maintain stamina.* I would not want a road bike tire width if I had to cross a suspension bridge. Eeep. Also, road bike rims aren't made for hauling. Increased spoke count on Touring bikes decreases wheel stress.

Short answer: Each bike has its purpose. I wouldn't use a Ruby as bad a$$ as they are. I would save up for a touring bike. Keep the Ruby too, they each have their merits.