I bought this frameset for $10.00 and changed out the 27" wheels for 700C ones. I built it up with parts in my parts boxes and used it for a number of tours. After a couple of loaded tours I decide to get cantilever brake brazeons, rear cantilever cable stop bridge, rear rack seat stay mounts, and a pair of bottle bosses under the downtube brazed on by a custom bike builder (True North near Guelph, Canada). All that cost only $65.00 and now i have a full up touring bike. it gets used a LOT! I also often use it for water runs to a nearby fresh water spring that's about 25 miles round trip. I carry 8 four liters water jugs. The bike is comfortable, tracks well and is very stable when loaded. It's also a nice ride when unloaded. You DON'T have to break the bank or spend a fortune to get a decent touring bike and setup.

Here's the bike with and without the panniers.

#04b Miele Uno L.S. Rebuilt 4 Touring - Added Bottle Mount, Canti-brake Studs & Bridge by Miele Man, on Flickr

#04a Miele Uno L.S. Rebuilt 4 Touring - Added Bottle Mount, Canti-brake Studs & Bridge by Miele Man, on Flickr

In 1975 a friend of mine went to Victoria B.C. Canada, bought a used cheap 10 speed and then rode to Newfoundland. He chronicle his trip in a book he wrote "A JOURNEY ACROSS A CONTINENT" (David Gidmark pub. PAPERJACKS). Again it proves you don't have to spend big bucks to enjoy touring.

Cheers

Cheers