Absolutely brilliant tips and thanks to everyone!! I am learning a lot, and am really grateful for you all taking the time to fill me in.

Especially about the "V" brakes and disk brakes and riding weather comparisons and also- even tho now that i see it typed and it seems simple, I am glad for the tip about what to do w/yr saddle after riding in the rain, maintenaince to prevent rust. I'm truly a beginner and this is my first real bike so I'm definitely up for any basics or do-it-yrself ways to save $ or time, etc.

Also I was happy to know about the brakes squeling being nrmal in the rain (it is v. possible I'll be in Ireland/rainy riding a lot).

Advice at the extra/spare tire types was also great. Mainly, I'll be on road, but maybe 30% (?) or so off. Of course, I'll clean up before going to any pubs or having a meal =) Unless it is some kind of emergency in which case I hope the proprietors would be understanding and hospitable In one article I read in National Geographic where a reporter (on his own time) went roading on the coast from Darwin to Perth, he had (only one) kind of rotten experience at a hostel/eatery when he asked if he could refill his 3 or 4 water bottles (they brusquely informed him that he would have to pay for water here so he was just going to fill up one or two until the next town, but before he answered they told him to "leave")?! Later, when they found out he was a reporter for NG they were apologetic. I don't understand ppl sometimes.
I'm not going tobe in Australia (anytime soon that I know of-- tho you really never know!) He also went thru various dusteee towns and acordingly, was pretty gritty at some of his stops, which is more likely to be my case(s),and I can shake off the snow or dirt (hopefully not mud!) before heading into a place.

I wrote down most of everything in a "bikenotebook" I'm starting so I can refer to it.

It looks like I'll be going w/the PM2000 I think, and you know what? The dealers (the lady-owner helping me) actually did something that you said I should do, I think, only I didn't really realize it. She put on "clipless pedals" to the 2000 (which i don't think it comes with but which i liked) I think they may be from the 2002 one. I hope she still puts them on when I go back in soon(!) I've herad they're v. nice esp. for touring or going long-distances. ~ I am not v. good at all at "bargaining" or trying to change prices and stuuf, even when I know that I should or can or whatever, I tend to not expect, but hope?) that the sellers will offer me stuff like that of their own. Is there any nice way I can "haggle" or should? The ppl there seemed pretty nice, and she'll prob. keep the pedals for me, but is there something that is normally given to you or an expression to use that might help me do better? I know for sure that I need to get a flashing tail light and I'd like a headlight. (a friend may be able to get me a fre helmet s i'm holding off on that for the moment).
Should I just let her "give me a discount" on her own? Silly thought I know,but I am gnerally a non-confrontational person and don't like being v. aggressive.
Money is awful, everything should be barter and everyone could share!

I am trying to reply back asap to all yr good help.
Prob. going intomorrow or Sat for the Bike

cheers,
Emma