No one's posted here in a couple of months, so after reading a bunch of this thread, I figure I'd revive it a bit.....

Got a question for you pro's........

I have a Trek 614, '82 model, and a buddy of mine and I are seriously considering a romp down the Katy Trail sometime this year after the summer heat has passed. Well, I have my choice of using this ride or a mountain bike of double butted cro-mo/no suspension. It's around a '90 model/Giant "Boulder". Anyway, by far the Trek is more comfortable, but which one would be better able to handle a load on the front and rear and what would be a good weight limit? I weigh in at 180lb's currently, though that extra 20lb's or so is in the process of leaving. So, come time, I'll be lighter. I looked up the weight limits on vintage Trek's website, but not knowing much about these things, I wonder how accurate that estimation is or if it's conservative/what have you. I'd personally love it if the Trek's suitable. It's my favorite ride. I did experiment with a load of approx. 20lbs on the front rack and was surprised to know how stable the steering was, but I don't want to over stress the frame, you know?

Any input would be dandy. Thank you!