Originally Posted by wrk101

The one thing about good vintage touring bikes, they have been discovered and tend to bring high prices. To some, its more about finding a touring bike that fits within a budget. There are two choices:

1. Shop continuously, chase every lead you find, and eventually you will find a deal on one (it probably won't be your size, thats how it goes) or

2. Convert an early rigid frame MTB to touring service. Old mtbs can be had with all the braze ons, including mid fork front rack braze ons on some of them. They can be found at a small fraction of what a "good" vintage touring bike will sell for, and they are very adaptable.

Sometimes the geometry (long top tube) of a MTB makes getting fit challenging. In my case, its a plus.

Also, realize people tour on anything. Some friends of mine did a coast to coast tour on a pair of Cannondale hybrids. Hybrids are available at relatively low cost and are very adaptable too.