Well, I guess that is the debate I keep having. To make this more comfortable I would need to put some money into it if it was to become a rider and not a hanger. I don't like down tube shifters, the older style brake hoods are uncomfortable, the brake really should have koolstop pads on them and I really ike noodles more then what is one here and I would like to swap the saddle for a B17.

So, even though it would might be "stupid" to update the bike I am still trying to decide if I am going to just sell it and buy the BLT or keep it and update it.

GG

While I would tend to agree with you myself, if there is anyone I would trust to know better than me, it would be Bruce Gordon.

It's a bike, not a collectable; it was still produced by the tens of thousands. If your going to keep it, make it comfortable and ride it. Unless it has a particular pedigree (used in the first bike circumnavigation of the north pole or something) it's not unique, and was made to be used.

How much for the bike? I live in CA i'll buy it if you want to sell it...as long as the price is not too absurd.

I didn't read the whole thread, but I'll offer this piece of advice. It'll be quite biased, because I'm an antique/vintage/classic kind'a'guy. Keep the bike as is. If you're in shape and/or young enough to make use of it as is, tour the hell out of it as is. Tours have been done on *much* worse, difficult things. Stucke toured on a three speed until just recently, since '62. People made cross-country and globe-round trips on direct drive, single speed and fixed gear bikes, heavier than anything these days, with worse geometry, on worse roads and under harsher conditions in every-which-way. My dad rides a four speed Motoconfort for touring. I've friends that crossed the country on track bikes without brakes. Not to mention the nonsensical things I've toured/I tour on. Let's just say, in my mind, 12+ gears is plenty.


Disclaimer: I'd ignore all my advice, as I am a pure glutton for punishment and hate. :)

GG, if you are intending to pack up your stuff, and, fill panniers.
and go somewhere..
Bruce Gordon's BLT is better suited,
because the racks he makes are about the Best.

and they are integral in the frame design.. brazed fittings are in perfect placement,
because He ordered them that way
I bought an Expedition in the 80's and the
BG racks, he made them then as now,
I kept the racks, and replaced the frame..

{mine is heavier and quirkier than his]

+1

If you sell this bike you will regret it.

Although I would swap the seat for a brooks as well.

If you'd rather it be a trailer queen,sell it,somebody can sit around and stare at it and rub on it.If your looking for a nice touring bike,you found one,ride it.When stuff breaks,update it.That frame puts a LHT to shame in my book.

Put some thumb shifters on it you don't like downtube stuff.Put a cassette hub on it if you have trouble with the freewheel axle.If my legs were 6 inches longer,I'd be more than happy to ride that around the planet,as is.

gorgeous bike

I'd keep it if it fit me and mod it. My tourer is an old 501 Coventry Eagle frame from the 60s, lugged etc, but that's about all that's left of the original bike. I changed to Northroad and bar end shifters, new wheels, new gears - It looks old (well, to the untrained eye), but rides with all the benefits of a modern bike. Still, I love the feel of the old frame, and like to think I've got a bit of the past under me.

I hate to hi-jack this thread but I'm still under 50 posts and cannot send private messages yet. I'm currently looking for 7 speed Shimano bar-ends and would love more info on the sets you have available Brian, pm me if you can.

And, if you want my opinion regarding the bike I'd definitely keep it and make the minor mods. That bike in that condition is something you'll certainly regret parting with.

The bike was up on Ebay and then taken down. Odds are it's already been sold...