Good choice, I think.

I rode my 820 to work this morning. 25F with 10mph headwind, ice rippled across the road in several locations and several pot holes...and the bike ate it all up. My 820 has served me well for 22 years, that's right 22 years. I bought it new in 1988 and have put thousands of carefree and trouble free miles on it. (and my idea of maintainance on it has been just keeping it kinda-sorta lubed and replacing chain and gears as I wear them out.)

Keep us posted as it sounds like it will be an interesting and enjoyable project.