C&V Touring frames?
 

I currently own a Jamis Aurora as my touring bike and I am not satisfied with the rear tire clearance. It seems that the largest tire the frame will accommodate is a 700x35. This is a respectable size, but I wanted to go slightly bigger, and I wanted to ask the experts to see if there existed any steel frames that are capable of doing the job...

I like the Jamis because it is steel. In fact, all my bike are steel except for my mountain bike. Anyhow, I wouldn't mind building up a steel vintage frame. I'd be transferring over all the components, so an English threaded BB would be a plus, but not mandatory. Anything 4130 (and preferrably lugged) would be okay by me. Can you guys think of anything?

Not long ago I had an older Schwinn Voyageur stolen from me. It had a nice lugged steel frame, cantilever brakes, and bar end shifters. I suppose fate thought I got too good a deal as I found it in a pawnshop and paid $20 for it.

I didn't run tires that wide on it, but I found it to be a smooth riding, lightweight workhorse of a bike. I've looked on Ebay for another like it, but so far have had no luck, maybe you can do better.

with or without fenders?
I think I had a 38c on the rear of my Miyata 615gt at one point in time.
trek touring frames have even more clearance if I remember correctly, sorry I can't quite remember the model number atm.

+1 on the Schwinn Voyageur 11.8. I've seen them go on ebay in the $150-200 range, so I think they are under valued still. I'm running 35mm tires with fenders and no clearance problems yet, though I'll look tonight too see how much more I could fit if you like.

What is the general opinion of the Cannondale touring models, like the T600 or T700? I did a search and didn't find a whole lot on the Forum or via the interWeb.

My Novara Randonee (lugged Tange #2) has 27x1/14 with full fenders and some room to spare. If you built up a frame with 700c wheels you would have plenty of clearance.

I've never seen another, but it you happen upon one in your size, it just might work.

I would be careful on the Centurion Pro Tour. Some of the early versions had clearance issues. My 81 Pro Tour had 27 x 1 1/4 tires & fitting fenders was very difficult. The cantilever brake posts would not adapt to 700c without moving them lower but if they would have, 700 x 28 would probably be the limit. My 84 Specialized Expedition Touring takes 700 x 32s with room to spare & could easily go larger.

Other suggestions in order of availability would be:

Trek 520 Touring, Raleigh Super Course (early version made for 27 x 1 1/4 will convert to 700 with huge clearance), Motobecane Grand Touring, also mid 70s Motobecane Grand Jubile has good clearance with 700 x 28 & might be able to go larger. Miyata 1000 Touring Early 60s Zeus has great clearance but good luck finding one.

All good suggestions. I'd add Fuji America to the list. There aren't many around, but they are pretty nice (if it's a steel one).

Wow... thanks ollo ollo and the rest of the suggestions! I see there is hope yet!
Time to start hunting the ads on CL and see what I find...

I have a 83' Nishiki Seral touring bike. It was originally outfitted with 27" wheels, but I made the switch to 700c of course. I am running 700-35 Kenda Cross Supremes. Yes, knobby 35s with some room to spare (not a lot of room to spare in the rear).