This is that coffin-nail mentioned in the first post. At first we weren't sure that I needed a new bike because I have a pretty good basic bike, but after an inspection of the frame we realized we couldn't attach paniers (which are the bags you need to mount to carry your load), also the disc brakes could prove problematic for repairs on the road so we decided to sell that baby and get a new one.
We shopped around for quite a while before landing on this bike, the Surly Cross-Check which we bought last weekend in Amherst MA at Laughing Dog Bicycles. They had a 54" frame in stock which was the size I needed (and in black!) so we decided to finally bite the bullet and make the purchase. Zach has been guiding this process, because to be honest I know absolutely nothing about bikes. I know what looks sexy and I know what feels comfortable and thats about it. This one is definitely comfortable and sexy as well as being functional so I'm happy and looking forward to taking it for its virgin voyage.
There is another Surly bike we looked at that is very popular for touring called the Long Haul Trucker, and the Trek 520 also has a great reputation but the Cross-Check seemed like it might be more versatile. We may be staying in one location for a week or two from time to time as we travel, and it seemed like a good idea to have a bike that handled well even when it wasn't loaded with gear. It's also something I can use as my primary bike after the trip as well so it seemed like a worthy investment.