narrowing down the options

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Hello all,

First I'd like to thank everyone for their advice and suggestions in 
response to my email regarding my first touring trip.  For anyone who 
may have missed it; from San Francisco to New Orleans is the plan come 
May 2011, camping along the way, so considerable amount of gear.

Over the past week I have been scouring the internet and local bike 
shops for deals, information, and perspectives.  The options I am 
considering are quite different from one another. Much of what it comes 
down to is what I want to do.  Below is a list of the options with links 
to the bikes.  If any of the options seems completely bogus and ill 
advised please let me know.

Thanks for the help...


*1.)*
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/bik/2224579060.html

Ready to go! One of the most popular and reliable touring bikes, and at 
a good price.  But I don't get the experience of building anything.


*2.)*
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/bik/2219475057.html

A project.  Not sure if the Peugeot would handle the load, I've measured 
the bike and the chain stays are long enough to accommodate panniers.  I 
like the American threads on the BB.


*3.)*
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/bik/2228090655.html

I really like cannondales. smooth ride, i rode one in Brooklyn for a 
year commuting.  not sure about using an aluminum frame on a touring 
trip.  has necessary eyelets for racks and three water bottle cage 
attachments.  looks clean.


*4.)*
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260738860615&ssPageName=ADME:B:SS:US:1123 
<http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260738860615&ssPageName=ADME:B:SS:US:1123>

another cannondale.  this one with the whole touring equipment set.  
from a seller in indiana with no user history. trust issues?  plus, i am 
in california. big shipping cost.


*5.)
*Start looking for a 1980s mountain bike frame to build up from.  one 
with no shocks. this type of frame may be more appropriate than an old 
roadbike frame. a.k.a. the peugeot?



Thanks again to everyone.  Hopefully no one gets lost in the transition 
over to the new google account!

Vince