Hi, I am completely unfamiliar with Norco hierarchy so tnxs for the GT - ST differentiation. I'm sort of a middle quality guy; you get some trickle down from the upper end ranges but without the higher associated costs yet aren't dealing with something that barely holds itself together either. If you look at my ride I'm not into social status bikes at all. Functionality, compatibility and especially longevity are key factors for any bike (for me anyways). Quality is important but there are always associated diminishing returns. By the sounds of things, this ST model would be a good choice.

On frames as old as this Magnum, isn't there a risk that they could fatigue and snap? On the last bike I had (RIP), and the current one, I've used Rust Check sprayed into the frame for rust prevention. Works really well on cars, does so too on bikes I'd imagine. This fellow has used this bike for a fair bit of touring in the past and that weight over distance means stress. I've thought it would be kind of cool to put a bike frame in an xray machine to see a potential structural problem point before you buy it. I think it's safe to say there isn't "an app for that".