chapel

So, I'm starting to realize that my frame is just a shade to short and I'm limited to a 700x35 tire and even that's tight with fenders.
I also don't have enough mounts for fenders and racks.

If money were no object, I'd get a Rivendell Atlantic.
I'd like to get something that takes canti brakes, but mostly I'd like to be able to fit a larger tire AND my fenders (and maybe even 650b wheels in the future)

Which models should I be searching for?
Here's a few I was thinking of based on what I've seen

Bridgestone RB-T or Bridgestone T500


Panasonic Pro Touring or PT-3500


KHS Special Tourer


Centurion Pro Tour (were there any other touring Centurions after this? I've never seen one)


Bianchi Volpe


Trek 420 and 520 and 720


Miyata 1000


Shogun 1500


Specialized Expedition (which, incidentally is what my wife rides as a 2014 Step Through model)


Raleigh Alyeska


any others?

icepick_trotsky 

Fuji Touring Series III, IV, or V
Miyata 610
Schwinn Voyageur (Panasonic made)
Panasonic Touring Deluxe

What size do you ride, @chapel?

chapel

I'm currently on a 58cm Centurion and I think it's a little small. I would estimate a 60-62cm would be adequate.
I need to get my standover height figured out

icepick_trotsky 

That's too bad. This Fuji has been on my local CL forever and I think the seller is ready to move it, but it's way too small for you.



Classic Fuji Touring Series IV

oddjob2

I hope you don't plan to lock up any of the above at the MBTA station?

I would add:

TREK 620
1981 Schwinn Super Sport (triple crank)
1985 Schwinn Le Tour Luxe
Miyata 615/618
Centurion Pro Tour

Have you considered doing a drop bar conversion on a MTB? Or retain rocket sauce. He is always spotting incredible deals.

https://detroit.craigslist.org/okl/bik/5001813498.html

https://detroit.craigslist.org/wyn/bik/5017316429.html

chapel

only if I could put 700Cs on it...

and yes, it would be locked up at my local station most of the day. But I lock it up good with quality locks and leashes.

oddjob2

A vintage MTB with narrow road slicks 1.25-1.75" is equally capable, comfortable, and quick enough for commuting purposes. You can play around with the gearing to get it just right. Treks up to about 1993 were lugged.

icepick_trotsky 

There's always the 650b route for additional tire clearance on the road frame of your choice, as well.

oddjob2

I find this quest for wider/plusher tires on road bikes and narrower/faster tires on MTB's a fascinating perpetual struggle. Yet, many thumb their noses at steel Hybrids, the best of both worlds and cheap too. 700 X 38mm tires fit easily, fenders fit easily, and brakes are mostly cantilevered. A slightly sloped tube, missing lugs, and a unicrown fork are a bit unattractive, but for a commuter........ Subaru Outbacks and Foresters aren't pretty either, but don't tell that to a New Englander.

DiegoFrogs

Fitting 700c rims on a canti-equipped touring bike intended for 27" wheels has proven to be a challenge for many people on many different bikes. And getting tires on them in sizes 35 mm and above with fenders will also be a challenge. And going to 650b will be virtually impossible with canti studs. The selection of 27" x 1-3/8" tires (~35 mm), is kind of poor, too.

I'd start with a high-end MTB, or at least one you find pretty, from the '80s or early '90s and keep the 26" wheels, or a high end hybrid with 700c wheels already.

chapel

Well, the goal here for me is to swap all the components from my Sport DLX to a touring frame and possibly just buy new canti brakes.

icepick_trotsky 

These Tektro 720s are the best value in cantis around, and they have ample adjustment for 27" to 700c conversion. Good stoppers and easy set up, too.


Tektro CR720 Cantilever Brakes - Brakes - Brakes & Parts - Components

chapel

yeah, I was considering those for sure. Price is right too. Cheaper than the R559s I have on my bike now.

jmeb

Dig these brakes. However they won't work on a lot of older touring frames whose canti-posts are spaced closer together than modern designs. Measure distance between canti-posts on your frame and compare with modern specs before you try upgrading.

gugie 

Your list is excellent, adding the suggestions from other forum members should make it easier to find what you're looking for.

Good luck!

dweenk

I would add Nishiki to the list. Some of the Kuwahara (SP?) built frames are nice.

chapel

all I want in life...

Splatter paint was my favorite thing ever.
https://cyclesbespoke.com/2012/05/a-t...uwahara-pacer/
I search for Kuwahara Pacers frequently. they just don't exist.

They also have a boring unicrown

09box

Fuji Saratoga? Surly Long Haul Trucker?

fender1

Peugot Vagabond

bikemig 

I know nothing about the seller and the price is too high. But it is a traditional lugged touring frame, a specialized expedition, in your size:

MINT 60cm Specialized Expedition Touring Bicycle - Original Unmolested

OTS 

I think the Bianchi Volpes I have seen are 700C hybrids.
A hybrid might give you all you need and more.
Some hybrids have longish top tubes so fit might or can be an issue.

chapel

yeah, about $1000 too much for my budget

RIDING THE BIANCHI VOLPE
The older ones look like touring bikes to me.

MacGyverBurrito

I have a 62 cm nishiki seral frame that I was going to get rid of because its way too tall for me. its basically a full on touring bike. cantilever brakes, 3 water bottle mounts, mid fork rack mounts, rack and fender mounts, double butted cromo. I even have the original rack, seatpost, and stem. if you're interested let me know. we can work something out.

tyler_fred

Trek 520

This might be a bit too big.

oddjob2

what size?