Touring rigs...which to keep?
#1
Thread Starter
Senior Member

Joined: Mar 2008
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Touring rigs...which to keep?
I just cant decide. I have accumulated a small fleet of touring bikes and just cant figure out which one(s) to let go.
Miyata 610
Schwinn Voyageur SP with the original front and rear racks....i think its a 80 or 81. Very nice shape.
Fuji America
Schwinn Voyageur SP with the original front and rear racks. Japan made, later model...i think 84 with the 3 bottle cage mounts. Again very nice shape.
Bianchi Randonneur circa 1983 i believe. I think this was a single year only that they made these. Has stock front and rear racks. Very nice.
I dont ride any of these nearly enough but at the same time .....here they sit and i keep telling myself that "some day ill ride them and enjoy them." All in my size and fully refurbished with all new consumables etc.
This hobby is sometimes a curse
Miyata 610
Schwinn Voyageur SP with the original front and rear racks....i think its a 80 or 81. Very nice shape.
Fuji America
Schwinn Voyageur SP with the original front and rear racks. Japan made, later model...i think 84 with the 3 bottle cage mounts. Again very nice shape.
Bianchi Randonneur circa 1983 i believe. I think this was a single year only that they made these. Has stock front and rear racks. Very nice.
I dont ride any of these nearly enough but at the same time .....here they sit and i keep telling myself that "some day ill ride them and enjoy them." All in my size and fully refurbished with all new consumables etc.
This hobby is sometimes a curse
#3
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Joined: Jan 2018
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From: Goose Creek, SC
Bikes: More than the people who ride them...oy.
I just cant decide. I have accumulated a small fleet of touring bikes and just cant figure out which one(s) to let go.
Miyata 610
Schwinn Voyageur SP with the original front and rear racks....i think its a 80 or 81. Very nice shape.
Fuji America
Schwinn Voyageur SP with the original front and rear racks. Japan made, later model...i think 84 with the 3 bottle cage mounts. Again very nice shape.
Bianchi Randonneur circa 1983 i believe. I think this was a single year only that they made these. Has stock front and rear racks. Very nice.
I dont ride any of these nearly enough but at the same time .....here they sit and i keep telling myself that "some day ill ride them and enjoy them." All in my size and fully refurbished with all new consumables etc.
This hobby is sometimes a curse
Miyata 610
Schwinn Voyageur SP with the original front and rear racks....i think its a 80 or 81. Very nice shape.
Fuji America
Schwinn Voyageur SP with the original front and rear racks. Japan made, later model...i think 84 with the 3 bottle cage mounts. Again very nice shape.
Bianchi Randonneur circa 1983 i believe. I think this was a single year only that they made these. Has stock front and rear racks. Very nice.
I dont ride any of these nearly enough but at the same time .....here they sit and i keep telling myself that "some day ill ride them and enjoy them." All in my size and fully refurbished with all new consumables etc.
This hobby is sometimes a curse
__________________
1987 Crest C'dale, 1987 Basso Gap, 1992 Rossin EL, 1990 Van Tuyl, 1985 Trek 670, 2003 Pinarello Surprise, 1990ish MBK Atlantique, 1987 Peugeot Isoard, 1987 Nishiki Tri-A, 1981 Faggin, 1996 C'dale M500, 1984 Mercian Pro, 1982 AD SuperLeicht, 1985 Massi ?, 1988 Daccordi Griffe , 1989 Fauxsin MTB, 1981 Ciocc Mockba, 1992 Bianchi Giro, 1977 Colnago Super, 1971 Raleigh Internat'l, 1998 Corratec U+D, 1991 Peugeot Slimestone, 1987 Bianchi Volpe, 1995 Trek 750
1987 Crest C'dale, 1987 Basso Gap, 1992 Rossin EL, 1990 Van Tuyl, 1985 Trek 670, 2003 Pinarello Surprise, 1990ish MBK Atlantique, 1987 Peugeot Isoard, 1987 Nishiki Tri-A, 1981 Faggin, 1996 C'dale M500, 1984 Mercian Pro, 1982 AD SuperLeicht, 1985 Massi ?, 1988 Daccordi Griffe , 1989 Fauxsin MTB, 1981 Ciocc Mockba, 1992 Bianchi Giro, 1977 Colnago Super, 1971 Raleigh Internat'l, 1998 Corratec U+D, 1991 Peugeot Slimestone, 1987 Bianchi Volpe, 1995 Trek 750
#4
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On paper the later Voyageur SP is the best of those, particularly if it is 1985. Pics of these would help. With touring bikes they generally peaked in 1985-86, so the later the better.
Fuji America has surprisingly tight tire clearance, if that's a concern (and generally is for touring bikes)
Fuji America has surprisingly tight tire clearance, if that's a concern (and generally is for touring bikes)
#7
Senior Member


Joined: Dec 2014
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From: Central Virginia
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I won’t provide an opinion until I know if any are my size.
Seriously though I’ve never heard of a Bianchi Randonneur so I would keep that unless of course you’re looking to maximize your bank account. 3 bottle mounts are very nice also for long distance touring.
Seriously though I’ve never heard of a Bianchi Randonneur so I would keep that unless of course you’re looking to maximize your bank account. 3 bottle mounts are very nice also for long distance touring.
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N = '96 Colnago C40, '04 Wilier Alpe D'Huez, '10 Colnago EPS, '85 Merckx Pro, '89 Merckx Century, '86 Tommasini Professional, '04 Teschner Aero FX Pro, '05 Alan Carbon Cross, '86 De Rosa Professional, '95 Gios Compact Pro, '95 Carrera Zeus, ‘81 Masi Gran Criterium, ‘81 Merckx Pro, ‘89 Cinelli Supercorsa, ‘83 Bianchi Specialissima, ‘VO Randonneur, Ritchey Breakaway Steel, Rivendell Rambouillet, Heron Randonneur, ‘92 Ciöcc Columbus EL
N = '96 Colnago C40, '04 Wilier Alpe D'Huez, '10 Colnago EPS, '85 Merckx Pro, '89 Merckx Century, '86 Tommasini Professional, '04 Teschner Aero FX Pro, '05 Alan Carbon Cross, '86 De Rosa Professional, '95 Gios Compact Pro, '95 Carrera Zeus, ‘81 Masi Gran Criterium, ‘81 Merckx Pro, ‘89 Cinelli Supercorsa, ‘83 Bianchi Specialissima, ‘VO Randonneur, Ritchey Breakaway Steel, Rivendell Rambouillet, Heron Randonneur, ‘92 Ciöcc Columbus EL
#8
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Joined: Apr 2012
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From: Middle Earth (aka IA)
Bikes: A bunch of old bikes and a few new ones
The Fuji America is not really a full on touring bike but more of a sports touring bike. So maybe you keep that and another touring bike that suits your fancy. I'd lean towards the Schwinn out of the 3 but without pics, we are all shooting in the dark.
#9
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Joined: Aug 2007
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From: Ouest Seattle
Bikes: Mercian King of Mercia, Surly Long Haul Trucker,81 Fuji Gran Tour SE, 83 Fuji S12S LTD, Voyageur 11.8 chrome, , Voyageur 11.8
Well, if you had not managed to buy all nice bikes, you wouldn't have your udders in a wringer now would you? Voyageur SP and America are keepers. Do I remember however that SP was a caliper brake set up?
#10
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From: Goose Creek, SC
Bikes: More than the people who ride them...oy.
__________________
1987 Crest C'dale, 1987 Basso Gap, 1992 Rossin EL, 1990 Van Tuyl, 1985 Trek 670, 2003 Pinarello Surprise, 1990ish MBK Atlantique, 1987 Peugeot Isoard, 1987 Nishiki Tri-A, 1981 Faggin, 1996 C'dale M500, 1984 Mercian Pro, 1982 AD SuperLeicht, 1985 Massi ?, 1988 Daccordi Griffe , 1989 Fauxsin MTB, 1981 Ciocc Mockba, 1992 Bianchi Giro, 1977 Colnago Super, 1971 Raleigh Internat'l, 1998 Corratec U+D, 1991 Peugeot Slimestone, 1987 Bianchi Volpe, 1995 Trek 750
1987 Crest C'dale, 1987 Basso Gap, 1992 Rossin EL, 1990 Van Tuyl, 1985 Trek 670, 2003 Pinarello Surprise, 1990ish MBK Atlantique, 1987 Peugeot Isoard, 1987 Nishiki Tri-A, 1981 Faggin, 1996 C'dale M500, 1984 Mercian Pro, 1982 AD SuperLeicht, 1985 Massi ?, 1988 Daccordi Griffe , 1989 Fauxsin MTB, 1981 Ciocc Mockba, 1992 Bianchi Giro, 1977 Colnago Super, 1971 Raleigh Internat'l, 1998 Corratec U+D, 1991 Peugeot Slimestone, 1987 Bianchi Volpe, 1995 Trek 750
#12
Thread Starter
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Joined: Mar 2008
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Nah....i do think both of them are cantis. Kind of a pain to get at once the racks are in place but with some koolstop pads you rarely need to really get in there. There is no adjustment on them at all other than the cable length at the yokes.
#13
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Yes, you need to get rid of a few of those and get better touring bikes.
Miyata 610, replace that with a Miyata 1000, the 610 is not even a touring bike. if you can't find one, Miyata made a rebadged 1000 for Univega, the Specialissima.
Schwinn Voyageur SP, if it has the canti brakes keep that one. I hate most Schwinn bikes with very few exemptions, this being one of them (nervex lugs paramounts being the other).
Fuji America, not a bad bike but drop it like a rock for a Fuji Series V.
Bianchi Randonneur, not a touring bike, but it should get a pass if you have the rando front basked and dynamo lights. You definitely need the lights for all the 400km rando events you'll probably never do. Get rid of the rear rack, it makes it look less rando.
In addition:
You need a Trek 720. You can limp on a 520 if need be but keep an eye out for the 720.
Specialized Expedition. Not the sequoia.
There are a bunch others but that should give you 7 bikes, enough for one a day.
Also get rid of the nonsensical notion that if you don't ride it, you should get rid of it. I swear kids nowadays...
Miyata 610, replace that with a Miyata 1000, the 610 is not even a touring bike. if you can't find one, Miyata made a rebadged 1000 for Univega, the Specialissima.
Schwinn Voyageur SP, if it has the canti brakes keep that one. I hate most Schwinn bikes with very few exemptions, this being one of them (nervex lugs paramounts being the other).
Fuji America, not a bad bike but drop it like a rock for a Fuji Series V.
Bianchi Randonneur, not a touring bike, but it should get a pass if you have the rando front basked and dynamo lights. You definitely need the lights for all the 400km rando events you'll probably never do. Get rid of the rear rack, it makes it look less rando.
In addition:
You need a Trek 720. You can limp on a 520 if need be but keep an eye out for the 720.
Specialized Expedition. Not the sequoia.
There are a bunch others but that should give you 7 bikes, enough for one a day.
Also get rid of the nonsensical notion that if you don't ride it, you should get rid of it. I swear kids nowadays...
#14
Thread Starter
Senior Member

Joined: Mar 2008
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Yes, you need to get rid of a few of those and get better touring bikes.
Miyata 610, replace that with a Miyata 1000, the 610 is not even a touring bike. if you can't find one, Miyata made a rebadged 1000 for Univega, the Specialissima.
Schwinn Voyageur SP, if it has the canti brakes keep that one. I hate most Schwinn bikes with very few exemptions, this being one of them (nervex lugs paramounts being the other).
Fuji America, not a bad bike but drop it like a rock for a Fuji Series V.
Bianchi Randonneur, not a touring bike, but it should get a pass if you have the rando front basked and dynamo lights. You definitely need the lights for all the 400km rando events you'll probably never do. Get rid of the rear rack, it makes it look less rando.
In addition:
You need a Trek 720. You can limp on a 520 if need be but keep an eye out for the 720.
Specialized Expedition. Not the sequoia.
There are a bunch others but that should give you 7 bikes, enough for one a day.
Also get rid of the nonsensical notion that if you don't ride it, you should get rid of it. I swear kids nowadays...

Miyata 610, replace that with a Miyata 1000, the 610 is not even a touring bike. if you can't find one, Miyata made a rebadged 1000 for Univega, the Specialissima.
Schwinn Voyageur SP, if it has the canti brakes keep that one. I hate most Schwinn bikes with very few exemptions, this being one of them (nervex lugs paramounts being the other).
Fuji America, not a bad bike but drop it like a rock for a Fuji Series V.
Bianchi Randonneur, not a touring bike, but it should get a pass if you have the rando front basked and dynamo lights. You definitely need the lights for all the 400km rando events you'll probably never do. Get rid of the rear rack, it makes it look less rando.
In addition:
You need a Trek 720. You can limp on a 520 if need be but keep an eye out for the 720.
Specialized Expedition. Not the sequoia.
There are a bunch others but that should give you 7 bikes, enough for one a day.
Also get rid of the nonsensical notion that if you don't ride it, you should get rid of it. I swear kids nowadays...

#15
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Joined: Sep 2014
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From: Baton Rouge La
The geometry is similar, although the 610 is supposed to be slightly steeper, it's not a huge difference. Both came with fifteen speeds, sealed cartridge bearing hubs, 36/40 spoke wheels, double eyelets front and rear, mid fork rack mounts, water bottle mounts (two on the 610, three on the 1000), cantilevers...
#16
Francophile

Joined: Nov 2015
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Why sell any of them? If you enjoy them and have the room, there's no reason not to hang on to them, even if they only get ridden once in a while.
Mind you, with my collection, I sometimes think I should dispose of a few, but I like them all . . . So I do understand the issue you face.
Mind you, with my collection, I sometimes think I should dispose of a few, but I like them all . . . So I do understand the issue you face.
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Keeping Seattle’s bike shops in business since 1978
#18
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From: Beaverton, OR
Bikes: You had me at rusty and Italian!!
#19
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I was just being extra facetious with the whole post. There were some good years for the 610, others where it didn't even have cantis. I mean you can't call it a touring bike if it doesn't have cantilever brakes and a lugged steel frame for crying out loud (just kidding, more facetiousness).
The 610s are geat bikes. Like the trek 520 that may be the junior model to the 720, but chances are the unassuming 520s have seen more cross American rides than the 720 because so many people like and tour on them.
The 610s are geat bikes. Like the trek 520 that may be the junior model to the 720, but chances are the unassuming 520s have seen more cross American rides than the 720 because so many people like and tour on them.
#20
vintage motor


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If I had enough space I'd just keep all of 'em.
#21
Extraordinary Magnitude


Joined: Aug 2009
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From: Waukesha WI
Bikes: 1978 Trek TX700; 1978/79 Trek 736; 1984 Specialized Stumpjumper Sport; 1984 Schwinn Voyageur SP; 1985 Trek 620; 1985 Trek 720; 1986 Trek 400 Elance; 1987 Schwinn High Sierra; 1990 Miyata 1000LT
My stupid opinion...
The America and the 1984 Columbus framed Voyageur SP are in a different league than the rest of those bikes. As a tourer, the VSP is in a different league from the America. As a tourer- I'd choose the VSP.
But it all comes down to what you like- and what you like riding.
The America and the 1984 Columbus framed Voyageur SP are in a different league than the rest of those bikes. As a tourer, the VSP is in a different league from the America. As a tourer- I'd choose the VSP.
But it all comes down to what you like- and what you like riding.
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Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
#23
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From: PDX
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All of them.





