I have an older GT Avalanche that I actually had pretty much stripped to use on my Big Dummy. Now I'm wondering if it would make a good touring bike. I have some old drop bars I could use plus some barcons. Is the geometry good? I measured the chain stays and, if I'm measuring right, is just short of 17". Isn't that kind of the standard length for a touring bike?

I'm going to need new wheels and tires for sure. What else should I for sure do?