There is a wide range of C&V sports/touring bikes that would be an ideal bike for a cyclist starting their first season as a Long-Distance rider. Most of these bikes will have Reynolds 531 steel frames or better, drop bars, relaxed road bike geometry with a longer wheelbase. 12 speeds or more. My top pick would be a 198x Miyata 912. This bike has Shimano 600x (early Ultegra) 12 speeds, 700c wheels, 72 or 73 degree head tube angle depending on size, 420mm chainstays. Eyes for fenders & racks. Room for 700x28 or larger tires. The bike would weight about 23 lbs with a modern saddle and pedals. A good mid-level sports/touring model was common back in the eighties and every good manufacturer had a model like this. They can be found on Craigslist today for about $250 to $350 in good condition.

No matter which bike you select, new or used, you will be upgrading and customizing to improve fit and performance. I would automatically upgrade the crankset, wheels, saddle, pedals and tires even if these are in good operational condition. I would also install bar-end shifters. Each rider has different needs and priorities.

Chances are that your first long-distance bike won’t be your last. I started with a steel Cyclocross bike, added a ti road bike and a C&V bike. I don’t need three bikes, but having two is important, YMMV. All of these bikes are excellent for long distance riding.

I would suggest that most eighties sports/touring bikes will make better long distance bikes than most of the lower level road bikes sold today. So many bikes sold today do not provide room for tires larger than 700x25, lack eyes for racks, have shorter wheelbases that are less stable and don’t always ride well. A current steel Cyclocross bike is a better starting point than a modern low-end road bike in the $750 to $1300 range. A vintage bike is also a great starting point and won’t hold you back.