No advice to offer, but I'm in the same boat. I have a Specialized Dolce and husband has a comparable bike. We are interested in trying out touring (more like credit card touring), but don't want to spend money on buying touring bikes unless we decide we like it / want to do more.
We also realize that our bikes are not designed for touring, but can we at least "get by" with some minor accommodations?
1. Could I use a trailer? From what I've been reading, this would be doable.
2. Racks? I don't want to put much on it, but I've read that clamps are a definite no on carbon seat stays. I've seen some alternatives like old man mountain, etc that attach to brake bosses (?), but is that also too much stress on the frame?
Are there any of you who tour (or started touring) on road bikes? How did you deal with these issues?
Thanks - really looking forward to any responses to this thread!
-Christy