The current landscape of purchasing a touring bike . . .

[Pat Lamb]

Some of this apparent "shortage" may be geographical.  In a lot of places, there are no or very few touring bikes in bike shops.  In addition to that, for many years the big manufacturers made one lot of touring bikes per year, and once they sold out (often before June), that was it for the rest of the year.

For example, the last touring bike I bought was from Atlanta, where REI had two models and a local dealer had a third.  These were the closest in stores, four hours' drive away.  Quite a few closer dealers were willing to take my money and order one, but without a chance to test it.

REI may be helping this situation somewhat, with their slow explosion of stores over the last decade.  You can order a touring bike (when available) and have them shipped to a "nearby" store, where you can decline to purchase it after a test ride.

To the OP: If you can find a bike you want and like, at least go try it out.  If you like it, buy it now.  You'll get time to ride it and tweak it before you start on your big ride.  One key to successful touring is time in the saddle, and by riding (whenever possible) between now and your tour start, you'll build up that reserve.

[Nyimbo]

So did you find a 520 available for a more timely purchase?  Just curious if it worked out for you.  Nyimbo

[Rixtoy]

So did you find a 520 available for a more timely purchase?  Just curious if it worked out for you.  Nyimbo

Actually, I did - and, it was based on your timely input in your post above (locations of bikes).
My apologies for not noting that earlier in this forum.

The nearest bike on your list was in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma (Tulsa suburb) and that is about a 3hr drive from me.

I spoke with Gretchen at Phat Bikes there and they had just received a 520 in 57 cm from Trek.
We discussed the landscape for the availability of these bikes and she graciously let me put a "hold" on the bike for a small sum while I made my decision. (And, without me asking, she honored the price they had advertised, which is less than the current Trek asking price - good business if you ask me . . .).

I decided there is a lot of ground to cover (literally) before I can fully be ready for a long tour, but I would rather have the bike and not be able to go on a tour than wanting to go and have no bike available, so I have adjusted my thinking to buying a touring bike and doing some smaller bike/camping excursions this summer. Then, when I am ready I can commit to the multi-week tour(s) this Fall and into next year.

Phat Bikes and their manager, Daniel, have been very helpful in configuring the bike to my needs as far as fenders, pedals, bags, etc. and I am scheduled to drive down and pick it up this week-end.

I am very excited to begin this new phase of my cycling life and look forward to the anticipation, celebration, recreation and education of this new chapter in the old book of my life.

Again, many Thanks.

(Pic is before mods . . .)

Rixtoy

[Nyimbo]

Congrats, glad it worked out.