I have an '83 Trek 520, which, at the time, was advertised as a touring bike (and has since become the mainstay of the Trek touring line). The 620 was considered nicer, but, I'm guessing, similar. Bikes of this vintage, despite being "tourers" aren't always set-up that way by modern standards (e.g., no cantilever brakes, smaller tire clearances, wheels may be less robust). This is what I realized with my 520, where I had the option of getting a new bike or figuring something out for this one. I opted to use a bike trailer; there are many threads on this. For me, I could use the current bike, not worry about loads on the frame/wheels, and just ride. People say trailers are heavier but, compared to the Trek 520 I have (not really a heavy touring rig), lack of racks, pannier bags, and no need for beefier frames/wheels, I think it is about the same (I calculated this out once). It also takes care of the chainstay length issues you can get to with these older touring bikes. It was also cheaper considering what I had and I was able to pick up a nearly new Burley Nomad on Craigslist for cheap on Craigslist. The Bob Yak is the single-wheeled trailer alternative. There is an old thread that documents my upgrades and first short tour with this bike (and my waffling between upgrading or getting a new touring bike). http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...D-Gran-Turismo.

A lot of the upgrades were just me trying to make it nicer, but I would've likely been fine with the stock bike with the trailer. I've done touring with only rear panniers...and it handled a lot better without those and just the trailer - and I like how the bike handles, generally, with the Burley Nomad. A couple of things I'd note is that, if going down big descents, I'm not sure about the brakes... I have salmon kool stop pads on my bike and haven't had any braking problems with the sidepull brakes...but not sure about descending down mountains (I've never done that). From what I've read, cantilevers don't really offer advantage here (other than clearances) in maximum stopping power - but discs would be better. Also, there are some people who bring up trailers and fishtailing and what not...although I think this is more of an issue with single wheel trailers. I've never had anything like this happen to me, even remotely, and while I've been down some big hills - I don't just careen down hills with abandon...at least not since my mid 20s.

I'd consider these as options, though, Personally, if it got much more involved than that or I really wanted front panniers, cantilever brakes, different wheels, etc., I'd probably give serious thought to just picking up the Bike's Direct Gran Turismo touring bike as opposed to trying an make it would with a vintage tourer. You get a pretty well speced touring bike for the money, and others have seemed happy with them. You'd still need to equip this bike with racks and bags, though - and probably wrench/tune it up a bit (or pay an LBS to do that). For me though, the trailer on my '83 Trek 520 works pretty well - and I've been happy with it. When not touring, the bike is a good, non-tank, around town bike back-up/more upright change of pace to my usual commuter and, if desired, would serve well in that role if it were my only bike.