I finally scored a touring bike! A Kuwahara SuperTour (serial # is 88 02 42433) Here's a few snaps after giving it a light wipedown, putting the fenders on.

Since then I've yes shortened the chain, swapped out the tires for some Vittoria Randonneurs and used vinegar on that nasty seat post / chain ring bolts.

Triple Butted EX 4130 tubing
Sealed Suaze hubs laced to 700c Araya rims (36 in front, 40 in rear)
Suntour XCE derailleurs which seem to work quite nicely
Suntour Blaze aero levers / Dia-Compe cantilever brakes.

I was thinking of trying out the VO Touring Saddle in black, any experiences with it here?













So far the ovalized chain rings are not a problem, hardly notice except when on the granny gear.