Originally Posted by
Lascauxcaveman
If you're really going to load it down, a Cannondale aluminum bike might be a good choice. I haven't toured on mine yet, but it's notably stiffer than my Peugeot Vagabond is or Centurion Pro Tour was, and I think it would handle a serious load better.
My 1990 ST600 as-found; I haven't refurbed it yet:
I think you may have passed the refurb time limit. You must send me that bike now, sans V brakes of course. You may keep those, and the ergo bars.,,,,BD