Advice needed

I'd say either pick touring or racing if you don't want to buy two bikes. I suppose some higher-end touring road bikes can be used for entry-level racing; however, if you want to be very competitive, such a bike wouldn't do. Racing bikes aren't equipped with the things necessary for touring...ie no places to put panniers. The geometry is also a bit different.

Ack, I didnt want to hear that. Is it possible to modify a racing bike if I got one? Such as change the seat to nice soft one, put panniers on (somehow), plus thicker tyres etc????

Here's my suggestion:

Buy a nice entry level racing bike.

BUT, save just a little money. You can make a pretty decent touring bike from a cheap used older mountain or touring bike, perhaps even as cheap as $100, plus new tires, brake pads etc. You will need to know how to shop wisely. OR have someone knowledgable help you out.

Actually, a few weeks ago the thrift store had this mid-ninties schwinn city-bike thing. All cro-mo lugged frame, touring geometry, triple cranks, good wheels. Perhaps you would have needed to buy a new chain, freewheel, seat, tires, etc. BUT the bike was only $35!!!

I'm not really up on all the latest gear. But I've done some serious touring (see my post in the "recreational cycling/touring" forum.) I think a good touring bike can be cobbled together cheap, moreso than a good racing bike.

thanks for the feedback. Maybe i can buy a good Racing bike then also buy a touring bike and sell it off as soon as i finish touring. I should have enough money by then to buy two. Maybe i should. or maybe i could just buy a car when i get my license and drive around the place instead, and save all the bother. Nah, only kidding, bikes are too cool to not buy.