I have two bikes that accomplish about the same thing. The first one is a 81 Centurion Pro-tour, and the second is a gugiefied 71 Witcomb. Both are great bikes. The Pro-tour has been changed to 700c, running flat bar 10 speed, great bike ride smooth runs 32 mm tires easily. It is a half step plus granny in the front, and 10 speed 11x36.
The Witcomb is drop bar 9 speed with bar-end shifting, it is also a half step plus granny in the front, and 9 speed 12x36. It is running 42 mm wide tires on 650b rims.


One thing The Witcomb has over the Pro-tour, is a full custom set of racks and stud mounted Mafac brakes along with two bottle cages. The biggest problem is I have occasional pedal strikes due to low bottom bracket height. This bottom bracket height makes for a very low center of gravity. If I kept the witcomb over the Centurion, I would entertain the thought of changing back to 700c, would require changing the brakes.
Second thing the Pro-tour is completely chrome underneath paint. While it does not have bolt on bottle cages except for one, it can take some good racks which will allow bags to carry any additional water. The 81 pro tours came with stud mounted Centerpull brakes.
Go here for part 2
Which would you keep part 2

Even though I've been lusting after a Pro Tour since they first showed up in the Bikecology catalog (IYKYK), this time it's the Witcomb. Brazed on MAFACs and 650x42b - those seal the deal for me.

SP
Newport OR
Where it's raining. Again. Still. Always.

I agree and was thinking the same thing, however bwilli88 is having issues with the pedals hitting the pavement and is considering going back to 700c on this bike. I would go for Witcomb too, but this detail changes everything. That is a big change.

As a result, I am having "paralysis by analysis" and haven't made a decision.

Perhaps shorter cranks, road racing pedals instead of touring pedals, platform pedals, something that get pedal strikes minimized while maintaining the 650b wheels and that Witcomb would be the keeper.

Both great bikes, Witcomb wins for me because of it's rarity and pedigree. Full custom racks is nice too. Fits bigger tires. I know you said you're considering going to 700c on the Wit, I'd still keep if with the 700.

The Centurion is VERY nice but the Witcomb is SPECIAL as well as UNIQUE. My vote is for the Witcomb.

I suppose I am more adaptable. Pedal strike? I remember not to pedal through turns. Toe overlap? I just slow down and turn differently. I know those are deal breakers for some, but I barely notice them. Do you think you can change your habits on the Witcomb? I 650b-ified a bike but it didn't work out well because of the handling. I wish I had a bike like your Witcomb.

I must be one of those "special" people who doesn't have problems with pedal strike. F'r instance, for several years back in my racing days, my commuter/rainy day training bike had a 10" (yes, REALLY that low!) high bottom bracket and 180mm cranks. in all that time I had exactly ONE pedal strike. I was riding home at my usual probably-too-fast-but-I-didn't-care pace on a fairly curvy bike path and one of my pedals hit some steel bollard-mounting hardware sticking up ~3/4" out of the pavement. Other than being startled, no harm to me and only a small battle scar on the pedal. That was one of maybe 3 pedal strikes I've had in 50 years of road riding. YMMV, of course.

SP
Newport OR

The pedal strikes were in Cambodia where the roads are paved with lumps, bumps, cracks and crevices along with various rocks, broken building material. They all were while passing between 2 embedded rocks and I was just about to crest a hill.

Which one to keep, I like to consider "how hard would it be for me to find another if I change my mind? That question answers itself.

Now if you prefer to ride one over the other, or one fits you better, that trumps everything.

Lately I have been getting into vintage HIFI. When I see something better, I get rid (sell) whatever it replaces. If I don't think the new acquisition is better, then I sell the new acquisition.

I don't consider pedal strike as problematic as something truly heinous like toe overlap. I'd put all the best stuff on the Gugiefied Witcomb and sell the Centurion.

Toe overlap is truly heinous? Different strokes. With my oversized feet and my liking for fenders, I don't have much choice.

A bump for weekend votes. Still not decided on which one because I really like them both but "there can be only one".

The Witcomb. The pedal strike issue seems pretty insignificant to me.

I voted for the Witcomb. If pedal strikes are really an issue, swap in 5mm shorter cranks. Will you notice the difference? Not much and not for long - at least that's been my experience with a 5mm crank length change.

I voted Witcomb but only because I think it’s a little small for me.

The pedal strike is a real issue given the type of riding you do. I’m in agreement with others that shorter cranks (and potentially different pedals with more clearance) might be in order. Given that you would be looking for shorter cranks, I suggest you post a swap thread to see if someone is looking for longer cranks.