The important thing is that you have lots of time and don't need to rush any purchases.

I recommend you get a bike that has the following bits:

1. Magura Hydraulic rim brakes. They have incredible stopping power, and it takes 10 seconds to change the brake pads when they wear out. And it doesn't require any tools at all to do.

2. Brooks saddle. Nothing else is nearly as good or nearly as proven. Your tushy will thank you!

3. An adjustable stem for the handle bars. Being able to raise an lower the saddle and being able to raise and lower the handle bars means that you will be able to fit the bike exactly to your comfort specifications.

4. My touring bike is a hybrid, the Raleigh Aspen. It is absolutely fabulous. I don't recommend road bikes with skinny tires because in Europe many bike routes are not on paved roads. My tires are 1.5 to 1.75 inches wide. Oh yeah, 28" wheels (700c), no 26" mountain bike wheels.

5. Use Scwalbe Marathon Plus tires, and you will never get a flat. Period.