AngryScientist 

Hello C&V crowd!

Generally ride modern stuff, but have recently been bitten by the bug to put something vintage together for fun, mixed terrain rides. On a whim, I just picked up a Nishiki Katmandu from craigslist (photo stolen from google images, not my bike, but same paint...). Parts spec was just what i was looking for, and fit was close, but just off enough that it wouldnt be enjoyable to ride (expect to see the frame for sale here in a couple days).

Anyway, I stripped the parts, now i'm hunting down a reasonably priced, decent condition frame to hang them on.

My initial thoughts were a bridgestone touring bike, or miyata, since i've owned both of those in the past and they rode lovely. but what else should i be looking for? thoughts and suggestions welcome. I'd like a canti-brake frame with clearance for 33's at least. I'm short and typically ride a 50cm frame, 52 - 53 ETT is my ideal.

I've got some big rides on the calendar this year, and something that takes nice wide tires and triple gearing sounds appealing.

I'm in no rush, just daydreaming and searching evilbay, cl, etc.

Cheers!

(this is an example of the Katmandu i just bought, i totally fell for the speckled paint and pink accents! wish it fit better!)

AngryScientist 

doh!!

and posted int the wrong spot - if a mod could move this that would be awesome!

bikemig 

Touring bikes are great but vintage touring bikes can be hard to find and they command a premium esp. a bridgestone or a miyata.

A sports touring bike will be easier to find and pay for, .

https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vi...g-bicycle.html

I love all rounders. Another option--all difficult to find and expensive--is one of the bridgestone drop bar XO series (the 1s and some of the 2s).

Cross bikes can make good all rounders as well; so can drop bar mtb conversions but the sizing can be tricky since they were not designed around drop bars.

AngryScientist 

agreed on the prices of some vintage touring stuff! it seems like the market is just not well sorted, prices can be all over the board, and it's hard to take an ebay risk on a frame you cant inspect, given what we all know about steel and rust, etc.

anyone have an opinion on what size this might be?

Bridgestone XO 3 Bicycle Bike | eBay

bikemig 

Does a 42 cm work for you? Bridgestone XO 2 | eBay

This is the 1993 B'stone XO-2. You can get the frame specs from the catalog which you can find here, 1993 Bridgestone Bicycle Catalogue

This was built to be a drop bar bike and has the same frame specs as the XO-1. It has somewhat less expensive tubing set (seamed chrome moly rather than seamless) and weighed (in its original configuration) about a 1/2 pound more than the XO-1. Like all bridgestones, this bike is, IMHO, a bit overpriced but there's no denying that the '92-'94 Bridgestones command a premium.

This bike is, I think, one of the best all rounders ever made. I have one and it is a terrific bike. Plus it is not as desirable as the XO-1 so the price is more reasonable.

This is mine; I highly recommend this bike:

himespau 

A lot of people have good luck going with a vintage mountain bike and throwing drop bars on it.

icepick_trotsky 

Hey, looks like another Paceliner wandered over @AngryScientist. Don't overlook a Schwinn Voyageur if you find one in your size. Depending on the year, they were either Tange Champion #2 , Columbus SL, or Tenax (a blend of SP and SL). Built for 27" wheels, which gives a ton of clearance when converted to 700c, and complete with canti posts. But the chainstays are often shorter than a true tourer, making them a great all-rounder candidate.

Here's a year by year comparison of features/equipment: https://sandro.knot.org/blog/wp-conte...comparison.pdf

And there's no arguing with that paint. This one belongs to a forum member:



I'll also shout out all of Trek's sport tourers in the 600 series -- 600, 612, 614. Reynolds 521 main tubes, and a smoooooth ride.

ksryder

There's one like that I see around my town with bar ends & 3 bottle cages. I know it's nothing special but there's something about it that just really grabs me. Same 90s-tastic paint job.

D1andonlyDman

Also the Trek 500 series: Ishiwata 022 rather than Reynolds, but otherwise very similar to the 600 series. I just sold my 510, which was a very nice touring frame, originally designed for 27" wheels, but can reach 700c wheels with medium reach side pulls, and has plenty of clearance for wider tires because it was originally built for 27s. Has a great, long wheelbase geometry for touring, and front and rear rack eyelets.

top506

How about a 1st Gen hybird with drops?:



If I could only own one bike this would be it.

Top

gomango

I would keep a sharp eye out for a Miyata Triplecross, Quickcross and the Alumicross.

Miyata Bicycle Catalogs: Miyata Catalog 1990 (100 Year Special Edition)

John E

I have used my lowly UO-8 in that capacity. Particularly if you install 700C wheels, you will have ample clearance for fairly wide tires.

smoothness 

as a fellow "travel-sized" person, it's a shame that it doesn't fit better. did they make the top tube extra long to reduce toe overlap?

if you're interested, i've got a shogun 1500 that takes 27s, and requires old style cantis. PM for more details.

3speedslow

I will second the suggestion for vintage cross bikes. They make great all arounders.