Originally Posted by
Salamandrine
That LHT looks like it's almost ready to go. As a theoretical we can discuss vintage vs modern all day long, but as a practical matter I'll be another vote for hopping on the LHT and heading down the road...
On the theoretical matter of vintage vs modern: IMO this notion that vintage components are unreliable just isn't true. Some were, sure, but it could be argued that many vintage parts were more reliable than modern. No cell phones to rely on BITD. A typical quality touring bike build would have been equipped something like this: Sugino Mighty Tour crankset, Phil Wood BB and hubs, Super champion rims (36H front, 40H rear), Suntour derailleurs (VGT. BL or Cyclone), power shifters, Suntour Freewheel, Sedis chain, Mafac canti or Weinmann CP brakes, handlebar and stem by Nitto/SR/Cinelli/etc. What would anyone expect to go wrong vs a modern bike? There's much talk of modern alloys, but no specifics. I'm not aware of any major advances in aluminum alloys recently. I'd venture that most high end parts are still made from 6061 as most have been for decades.
Tires have gotten way better, for sure. Modern tubular steel racks also a good idea. (though custom builders have been making these forever)
Spokes and rims have gotten much better, too. I was a full time bike mechanic from 1978 through 1984. I first got my hands on DT spokes in around 1981. Holy moly, what an improvement, not just more precise but also more fatigue resistant. And since then, rims got much better, too, in precision and durability. Other than that, I agree with your list. It includes reliable and durable equipment. I've seen more Cyclone derailleurs fail than VGT derailleurs, so I would choose the latter for a tour. I also so more SunTour freewheels fail than other brands. If I had to use a freewheel for some reason, I would choose a modern Shimano.