Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - 360 pounder, long torso seeking touring bike or similar

Guys, I have been lurking for a few days here and I have to say that I am more impressed with this forum than any other I have read on any other topic! Great supportive community here.

Anyway, I am 360 pounds or so, 6'5", and a freshly measured 34.5" inseam. My torso is long--it's a ***** to find shirts that fit right, etc. My current bike is a Trek Navigator 200 town bike, 21.5". The first year I put about a 1000 miles on that thing commuting, but I fell off the wagon. I've been doing some commuting and it feels good, but it's very upright.

So, I am thinking about training up to ride centuries next spring and RAGBRAI in a year or so.
I know that I really need something a bit more efficient for these long rides.
I am struck by the touring bikes, but I can't quite figure out what to do about my longer torso.
My budget is open for the "right bike". I am even considering stealing my wife's RANS Stratus XL bent.

Any help, suggestions, etc.?

This thread on long torso bikes is active and might have some good info for you:
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=304160

If your budget is pretty open, and you're going to be putting serious time in the saddle, I'd consider a custom made job. (I'm partial to Independant Fabrications, but there are a lot of great manufacturers out there)

I saw the thread pop to the top right after I submitted.
Guess I missed it.

Look into a 57cm LeMond Sarthe, 2005-2007,all good. LeMond has some aluminums in what I sense is in your price range. Composite, part alum/steel with part carbon fiber should be considered. Athough my dimensions aren't as outlandish as you mantain your's are. I DO have a long torso, I DEFINATELY can FEEL a difference in LeMonds geometry, even more than the stem-swap-game that I've used. 2005 and 6's can be had at a discount,for that matter e-bay has had some near-new ones, I'm talking bikes having mileage in the double digits,demos etc. The geometry makes the bike risk-free, you'll probably(almost for sure) appreciate them. No other off-the-shelf has such long top tubes. 57.5cm for a 57 ct seat tube size.

Go Lemond

TomD,
Depending on your financials I would really suggest talking to a frame builder. Even if you don't buy the frame builders are usually a nice group and give you some pointers on what to look for in an off the shelf bike for your frame. Cockpit length can be as hard to find as that shirt.

So, to summarize...
So the LeMonds tend toward longest top tubes. Any others out there off the shelf with long top tubes?

Sounds like I should consider a professional measuring and fitting for a custom even if I am not into going custom.
Ok, for a good fitting, I have seen some shops charging 100$ for measurement. Is this a bit over the top or standard for ordering a bike.

In some local shops, I sense a reluctance to really do a measurement. "Stand over the bar... let's see." Hence, I got out
my carpentry level and a tape measure for the inseam. Kind of looks like I'm measuring something else if you know what I mean :P

You can measure yourself to get started. Zinn has a site that can help and there are others. Do a search on sizing in this forum.

I am about 330 and ride a Trek 520 touring bike. Love it.

http://www.roadbikereview.com/cat/latest-bikes/touring-bike/trek/PRD_291208_5675crx.aspx

If I did not get the Surly LHT I would have gone with the Trek 520.

I'm almost the same size as you ( little lighter now) as tall with even shorter legs. If you can swing it, go for Custom. You will flex the heck out of a steel frame and I fear any road bike will be too light for you. Tht leaves mountain frames and they just are not the same as a good road bike (start the debate now!) I know this because I just went from a Cannondale Killer V which I had basically turned into a road bike ( and road 4000 kms a year for years) to a custom bike from True North. There is no comparrison the Custom bike is so much better.

No matter what you choose make sure you ride, wear spandex if you want, and don't give a "rats arse" what other people think. Riding is where it's at for us full figured guys.

I have picture of my bike posted on the Short Leg topic. Good Luck.