Hello everyone...

I just happened across a Panasonic Sport 1000 on Craigslist that I bought for $50. Other than a couple of small scratches, the bike looks like it came off the showroom floor. Even the Selle Italia Anatomic seat is in mint condition. The bike was manufactured in 1985. The people I bought this bike from even had the original owners manual. It really has to be seen to be believed. Even the foam cover on the handlebars is in perfect condition. I'm in love with this bike even over my Trek 520 and have been riding it everywhere. The bike just feels right and seems to be built like a tank.

After some research, I found that the Sport 1000 wasn't their lowest model, but it was below their touring bikes, but I guess top of their 'cheaper versions'. After finding Panasonic's spec sheets for their 1985 bikes, I noticed that my bike has the same double-butted CroMo frame as their touring bikes, but the rest of the gear was downgraded to good, but not great 80's shimano components. So my question is, do any of you have experience with this frame for touring? I'm really considering taking the frame to a local powdercoater, refitting the bike with some newer gear, and making it my primary touring bike. I've never ridden a Surly Long Haul Trucker, but it has that geometry and 'vibe'. I'm really loving how this bike goes down the road, how I feel (with a bad back) when I get off it, and it gives me that nostalgia feeling from the 80's era that I must admit I rather enjoy. But.. it's I guess a dealbreaker if the quality isn't up to par. It doesn't appear to be in any way poorly built, rather it seems better built than my trek, but this is my first time owning one and I only vaguely recall them in magazines in the 80's. btw, I'm no speed demon when I tour, my wife and I tour for the scenery and the fun of it so the comparative advantages of a newer bike really hold no appeal for me. Especially since my wife will sometimes ride 50 miles on her beach cruiser.. so we aren't exactly breaking land speed records.

Any input would be appreciated.. I'd hate to spend the money on the upgrades and have a frame that snapped.