In 1984, I bought Takara's #2 Grand Touring bicycle. Back then, outside of toys, you had two types of bicycles, sport/race and Grand Touring. MTBs were local to Colorado and further west and unheard of where I lived. This is a long wheelbase, long rake front fork bicycle. As long as I balance the load, it handles very well. The last two Novembers, I took it on 200+ mile (vacation) rides fully loaded.
I have had four six packs carried in the two panniers on grocery runs with room for stuff on top inside. Water weight. Fairly heavy. Plus additional weight bungeed onto the top of each. I also use Low Riders which helps to keep the center of gravity low.
This type of bicycle was practically wiped out the the invasive MTB species. This is just an ancient, surviving dinosaur. When it dies, its replacement will be the Surly Long Haul (Disk) Trucker. Its modern remake.