Originally Posted by
mnmkpedals
The centurion and the univega referenced above both look interesting; tried to pm, but am newer member so doesn't "allow" it yet.
As for clarification on what I meant by touring... I guess both descriptions above. As a native Midwesterner, did parts of ragbrai on a loaner and was fine, and for sure next season some hotel based touring is in the card. That said, I now live in the PNW-- puget sound region-- and touring very far in pretty much any direction from here will lead to some terrain far tougher than my midwestern experience, so trying to avoid under biking.
You can find the right kind of gearing for where you live on many different bikes. Adding a triple is no big deal in any case esp. with a vintage bike. You don't really need a touring bike unless you plan on carrying weight (e.g., camping). For riding in mtns and hotel based touring, a vintage sports touring bike with a triple will serve your needs well and be easier to find.