Originally Posted by
clasher
I'm also not 100% set on using this bike but I've heard good things about them as tourers, so it doesn't seem like a bad starting point, does it?
I wouldn't go messing with that that very nice old road bike. Get yourself a dedicated touring bike and leave the Dawes original. If money is a little tight, look at the Windsor Tourist for $600. If $$$s are plentiful, Trek 520 or LHT. Or just build out a Nashbar frame. Lots of options.