If you guys are interested in helping me figure some of the details out, here's a specific question I have on this topic. Since I'm a relatively short guy at 5'5" (165 cm), most of the bikes I've looked at in shops aren't a good size for me to use for long-term touring. Any tips?
I am only an inch taller than you, but my height comes from my torso and not my legs. You are probably looking at 48CM, 49CM, or 50CM frame. Depending upon what bike you want, a competent bike shop should be able to get you a frame that size.
I might encourage you to look at the Surly Long Haul Trucker. Their smaller frame are adapted to 26" in wheels instead of the more traditional 700C wheels. The probably gives you the most options for getting a frame with the right top tube length and standover height.
If your budget has more cash in it, then Gunnar has a good history of making small frames that work for people. I live in Michigan, and for unknown reasons, Gunnar has wrapped up the local Latino bike market, or so my local bike shop tells me. Same bike shop says that most Latinos are shorter than most gringos.
If you have an even bigger budget, there are lots of custom options. I have a Waterford custom frame, but I have had stock frames fit me just fine. I got the Waterford for stiffness reasons, and not because of my body proportions.
