polymorphself 

This is true by modern standards but definitely comes down to the rider. The consensus seems to be that most mid-late 80s touring bikes can fit 32mm with fenders and some can fit 35mm. My '86 Voyageur fits 35mm with fenders safely, which I like for most conditions I ride in, but certainly limits me if I want to get into some much rougher terrain. It does make me wish I had a 650b bicycle on the side, or even a more modern (yet still steel and preferably lugged) 700c frame with much more clearance like a Rivendell. I've got a Fuji S12-S that I'll likely be converting for just this purpose though.