thanks for replies everyone. i'm actually riding a giant bowery right now, which is an aluminum track bike, so i think my worry is justified. months+ should be fun on the bike, the longest ive been before was a month (chicago to new orleans) and i felt rushed and wanted to go more, so it should be a great time. want to make sure i have a bike that's up to the task, though.

the shop also has a used diamondback road bike (steel, gears, BRAKES!) that I think would be a better touring bike, and I'll get it if the owner will let me, but i also like my bowery enough to deal with its shortcomings in the hills if i can't get the diamondback.