It's an 87 Connondale Dura Ace model ( no rust, aluminum ) but many parts have been switched, the Deore LX seems to shift very good
I guess they had the long cage so it would shift better with bigger gears.
Actually, I am just getting into cycling despite being 70 can't keep off my bike, I was talking to a wizened up old lady yesterday in her 80's she was locking up her bike
she rides 12 miles each way every day and I said there are a lot of hills where you live she said yes 18