Originally Posted by
ericlowney
As the title suggests, I'm looking to buy a sport touring frame from about the mid 1980s or so (could be older, could be new) but that's about the target for a steel lugged beauty that I can use to commute to/from work with panniers, but also feel 'racy' when I want to strip the bags off. So what are the 'best' frames of that era for sporting and touring? I will admit that I'm a sucker for any frame with chrome luggs... So far my list is below in no particular order - feel free to recommend stripping one model off or adding one I haven't considered.
Miyata 610 or 1000
Fuji S12S or Finest
Univega Specialissima or Gran Turismo
Raleigh International
There are so many good candidates, including many "exotics," such as Woodrup, Bob Jackson, Mercian, Waterford, Serotta, Peugeot, Trek 720 before 1986, other Raleighs, Torelli, and literally dozens if not hundreds of others including dedicated tourers and randos, like Herse, Singer, Gordon, Eisentraut. Of course, most 1970s and '80s Treks, some Specialized, and Georgena Terry. My >70 yo cousin still tours and does her general riding and Rockies excursions on an early Cannondale, which can be lifted by a strong breeze. A vintage Masi, Pinarello, Mondonico or Medici (such as was shown) frame/fork sized generously and with a comfort-oriented fit and gearing (whatever this means to you) can also fill the bill very well.