Originally Posted by
jet sanchEz
I stole this from somewhere but most of these models will suit you and many of them are overlooked----I see cheap Nishikis and Univegas all the time and they are fantastic frames built in Japan.
You might consider adding Trek's classic 1984/85
850 &
870 MTBs to this list; the Surly
Long Haul Trucker is basically a somewhat modernized, TIG-welded clone of these frames.
Originally Posted by
seely
Side thought -- why not a vintage MTB drop bar conversion? Plenty of nice vintage MTB frames, and clearance for fatter 26" tires. I can run 2.1+ on my Schwinn with fenders.
+1
To the OP: if you're curious about going this route, plenty of suitable older MTBs are mentioned in the
'Drop Bar Conversions' thread.
Mid-'80s Raleigh MTBs would be a good choice; they were lugged, had long chainstays and, IIRC, a couple of them had three water bottle mounts instead of the usual two.