1200 dollars is going to get you a good touring bike just make sure it fit's you perfectly.shimano xt is top quality also wheels and tyres get the best you can dont skimp.training well you will ride yourself into a tour but if you haven't ridden say 50 miles a day on a bike before you could be in for a bit of a shock ,you have got to know how to ride a distance and to feel pretty good at the end ,but keep asking questions on this forum there a good bunch.best of luck..