Yeah, welcome! It could be that RAGBRAI is just the trigger for a new life of touring....
Or maybe not, summer will tell. If you're only looking to get yourself across Iowa, unloaded, you don't need a full-fledged touring bike. This gives you lots of options, either used or new.
If I were in the same situation, I'd look at the Surly Crosscheck. Not because I think it's perfect -- in fact I've never even seen one, let alone ride one. But Surly has a great reputation, I can't remember hearing or reading one complaint about their bikes in the past couple of years (except for maybe their paint choices...) The Crosscheck has a reputation for being a well-built, reliable, multi-purpose, good value bike. Some have set it up as a fixed gear, some have even done loaded touring on it. It certainly isn't a lightweight racer, but it just about covers all other bases.
It's Surly's only built-up bike (the other models are sold frame-only), and it's about $900 new. Check aebike.com, or do a google search to read about 'em.
I'm sure there are lots of other good choices, too. I'd just put the Crosscheck on your list.
Hey, what's your wife gonna ride for RAGBRAI?
-- Mark
Last edited by EmmCeeBee; 02-04-06 at 01:05 PM.