Originally Posted by
dnlpnd
Though I’ve thought about shelling out the money to be professionally sized up, but I know that I’ll pay a premium to get measured by a shop and then buy somewhere else (because no LBS can/will touch on-line prices).
You will pay for the service... but the price is generally told before hand. Many shops will chage $60 - $100 for a basic fitting session, and waive this if you are buying a bike from them, or refund the fitting service price at the time of bike purchase. This might be the best $100 youy ever spend. And you never know - they may give yo a list of fit reccomendations that can be accomplished with your Trek with a few component swaps. THis might be the most important $100 you spend.
Also, other budget touring frames I can think of: Nashbar, Soma, Tweed... and there are others.
One other thought - don't thumb your nose at 26" wheels. If the correct frame size with 700C leaves you with too little stand over clearance, a 26" wheel frame in the smae size might be a better fit.