Touring - going to the bike store today...

i'm biking the transam this summer for charity, but dont really know a whole lot about bikes. going to the store today to do some research. what questions should i ask? what models should i look at (mid-price range)?
thanks, mike

Does it fit.
http://www.peterwhitecycles.com/fitting.htm
Can I raise or lower the handlebars.
What size tyres can it take.
Can it fit a luggage rack or fenders.
What model of bottom bracket does it have (hidden from view, easy to skimp on)
What is the lowest gear.
Can I change the saddle if its uncomfortable.
Can I repair the spokes/true the wheels with a standard spoke key.

This
http://www.jamisbikes.com/bikes/aurora02.html
is probbably the best style of bike to look for.

does the aurora need any modifications or upgrades or does it come ready for a long tour. many people have recomended the aurora and the price is appealing as well.

The Aurora is a decent entry-level road bike. It will be fine for you if it fits and is comfortable. Since it has a 1" threaded headset, it will be easy to replace the stem with one that allows you to get the handlebars up high enough, should this prove to be an issue. This is something you should nail down with the bike shop before you buy the bike.

For a long tour, you'll want to check that you can mount fenders. While the frame appears to have a fair amount of clearance, ithe brakes may not.

The main deficiency of the bike is its lack of low gearing for steep grades, especially if you're carrying a load. If you expect to be riding through mountains, I'd seriously consider asking the shop to at least replace the cassette and rear derailleur with something like a 12-32 and a long-cage MTB derailleur like a Deore LX, and perhaps take the small chainring down to a 28. If you're a great climber, this may be less of an issue.

There are several under-$1000 touring bikes on the market: Trek 520, Bianchi Volpe, Cannondale T800, Fuji Touring, REI Novara Randonee.

RichC

If you are doing the Transam with support, a bike like the Aurora is fine, but if you are taking all your own luggage, esp camping you will probably need something a lot more heavy duty.

Have a look at the Bruce Gorden BLT. This is a proper expedition touring bike built by a guy who only makes touring bikes.

http://www.bgcycles.com/

It has the kind of specs you need for carrying a camping load.
There are other bikes that come close. The Canondale tourer, Trek 520, Fuji, REI.
You do need low gears, strong wheels, a good strong frame and general fixability in a touring bike.

Some people do continental rides on hybrid style bikes. These are a bit cheaper and can do the job, but a variety of hand positions is important. The same with MTBs, which can be "roadified" with slick rather than knobbly tyres, but finding good models without suspension is becoming more difficult these days.

Find a bike shop that deals with touring bikes. These are a bit of a niche product, and not stocked by many MTB or race-oriented shops.