Originally Posted by mike-on-a-bike
I am SO confused! But anyway, I don't even KNOW what "chainstay" means! Same with "geometry, wheelbase, crankset..." Can anyone recommend a BOOK I can read so that I know WHAT to look for and what all this stuff means?
You don't need a book. There is one out there called "Long Distance Cycling" iirc, which discusses fitness and training etc and spends like 2 pages on bikes.
Basically, what you need to look for in a touring bike is:
• is it comfortable when you ride it, particularly for long distances
• a solid frame with lots of spots for racks, fenders and water bottles
• are the tires wide (700 x 32c or wider)
• is the gearing low enough for touring
The bikes you listed should do the trick; I'd test-ride the LHT, Trek and Jamis and see which one you like better. I tend to like sitting more upright when on tour, mostly to get a good view. One nice touch about the Jamis is it has an extra pair of "cross brakes," so you can ride in the tops and still brake.