hello, catya.

this may seem like a terribly simple suggestion, but why not commute on an older, uglier bike and use your new baby for tours and recreation? i commute to work everyday, but i'm able to park it inside. the only annoyance comes when coworkers/customers relentlessly ring the dinger. if you've gotta park outside, perhaps an elderly bike would be best for the commute, know what i mean?

as for your other questions: i'm a clueless newbie myself, so unfortunately i cannot be of that much help to you. i'm sure others on this particular board will be of more help, but you might want to re-post the questions on the touring forum at this same site as well....

hth,
-rob