Classic/Vintage Tourers?
#26
Senior Member
Hello!
This is my inaugural post!
Anyone out there currently touring on/with a classic/vintage set-up? Last year I rode from Asheville, NC to Nashville, TN on a 1984 Centurion Accordo with a pair of homemade cat litter bucket panniers and more recently picked up a 1981 Miyata 1000 with a set of Cannondale touring bags that I can't wait to clean up and use this summer. Anyone else afflicted with such retro sensibilities?
This is my inaugural post!
Anyone out there currently touring on/with a classic/vintage set-up? Last year I rode from Asheville, NC to Nashville, TN on a 1984 Centurion Accordo with a pair of homemade cat litter bucket panniers and more recently picked up a 1981 Miyata 1000 with a set of Cannondale touring bags that I can't wait to clean up and use this summer. Anyone else afflicted with such retro sensibilities?
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#27
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Madison, WI
Posts: 11,549
Bikes: 1961 Ideor, 1966 Perfekt 3 Speed AB Hub, 1994 Bridgestone MB-6, 2006 Airnimal Joey, 2009 Thorn Sherpa, 2013 Thorn Nomad MkII, 2015 VO Pass Hunter, 2017 Lynskey Backroad, 2017 Raleigh Gran Prix, 1980s Bianchi Mixte on a trainer. Others are now gone.
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Frostline panniers? I am impressed.
#28
Senior Member
In the 80’s I was enthralled with the Trek 720 but couldn’t afford one so I toured on my Bridgestone 400 sport touring bike with Frostline panniers and handlebar bag. I bought a 1984 Specialized Expedition frame and built it up with modern components as of the early 90’s and it has performed admirably on tours.
I later acquired a Miyata 1000 and last summer I built up a 1983 Trek 720. I don’t plan on using them for touring because the Expedition is perfect for my needs but they are fantastically comfortable bikes to ride. Now that I own arguably 3 of the best production touring bikes from the golden age of touring bikes I’ve fulfilled a long time dream and can leave this world happy 😊.
For off road touring I would want extra wide tires and disc brakes but otherwise I prefer vintage.
I later acquired a Miyata 1000 and last summer I built up a 1983 Trek 720. I don’t plan on using them for touring because the Expedition is perfect for my needs but they are fantastically comfortable bikes to ride. Now that I own arguably 3 of the best production touring bikes from the golden age of touring bikes I’ve fulfilled a long time dream and can leave this world happy 😊.
For off road touring I would want extra wide tires and disc brakes but otherwise I prefer vintage.
#29
Mad bike riding scientist
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Denver, CO
Posts: 27,700
Bikes: Some silver ones, a red one, a black and orange one, and a few titanium ones
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Old stuff worked for us back in the day, but new stuff works better. Kinda like driving a car with a manual choke, points, biased ply tires and having issues driving over a high pass cuz the jetting is off.
Now of course if you have no idea what I just wrote, there you go.
At the same time I still love and appreciate old cars, and bikes, but new stuff does work better. (Still have my dt shifter tourer though)
Now of course if you have no idea what I just wrote, there you go.
At the same time I still love and appreciate old cars, and bikes, but new stuff does work better. (Still have my dt shifter tourer though)
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Stuart Black
Plan Epsilon Around Lake Michigan in the era of Covid
Old School…When It Wasn’t Ancient bikepacking
Gold Fever Three days of dirt in Colorado
Pokin' around the Poconos A cold ride around Lake Erie
Dinosaurs in Colorado A mountain bike guide to the Purgatory Canyon dinosaur trackway
Solo Without Pie. The search for pie in the Midwest.
Picking the Scablands. Washington and Oregon, 2005. Pie and spiders on the Columbia River!
#30
Pining for the fjords
I have a Koga Miyata Randonneur (Miyata 1000 frame) that I use for short tours, love the ride, friction shifting with bar ends is actually fun. Main disadvantage is max tire width (32 mm), which limits bad/off road use plus it has a tendency to shimmy if you're not careful in balancing your load (although a modern Tubus rack would probably do a lot in that respect). The bike excels in fast touring on good roads with limited luggage and that's what I use it for.
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#31
Senior Member
Those rear panniers look like the shape and style of the Cannondale Overland, but they look a bit different for some reason. Were those a different brand?
My rear Cannondales that I bought a couple years ago at a swap meet look exactly like these.
My Austro-Daimler Bicycle: Steyr-Daimler-Puch trademarked Vent Noir
My rear Cannondales that I bought a couple years ago at a swap meet look exactly like these.
My Austro-Daimler Bicycle: Steyr-Daimler-Puch trademarked Vent Noir
These were well made, good construction, and had a removable side pouch that attached with two snap things and then a row of velcro on the bottom, so an easy on easy off thing to keep wallet passport etc to keep with you going into stores etc.
#34
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Madison, WI
Posts: 11,549
Bikes: 1961 Ideor, 1966 Perfekt 3 Speed AB Hub, 1994 Bridgestone MB-6, 2006 Airnimal Joey, 2009 Thorn Sherpa, 2013 Thorn Nomad MkII, 2015 VO Pass Hunter, 2017 Lynskey Backroad, 2017 Raleigh Gran Prix, 1980s Bianchi Mixte on a trainer. Others are now gone.
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I was not aware Rhode Gear made panniers. I have an old rear rack made by them, very similar in design to the Blackburn of that era. Have occasionally had that rack on my road bike.
#35
Senior Member
Hello!
This is my inaugural post!
Anyone out there currently touring on/with a classic/vintage set-up? Last year I rode from Asheville, NC to Nashville, TN on a 1984 Centurion Accordo with a pair of homemade cat litter bucket panniers and more recently picked up a 1981 Miyata 1000 with a set of Cannondale touring bags that I can't wait to clean up and use this summer. Anyone else afflicted with such retro sensibilities?
This is my inaugural post!
Anyone out there currently touring on/with a classic/vintage set-up? Last year I rode from Asheville, NC to Nashville, TN on a 1984 Centurion Accordo with a pair of homemade cat litter bucket panniers and more recently picked up a 1981 Miyata 1000 with a set of Cannondale touring bags that I can't wait to clean up and use this summer. Anyone else afflicted with such retro sensibilities?
I have a soft spot for my first bike but also have outgrown it.
#36
Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2022
Location: Urbana, IL.
Posts: 3
Bikes: 1984 Centurion Accordo, 1981 Miyata 1000
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Thank you all for the warm welcome! I am hoping to reach my comment/post threshold soon so I can include some pictures of the bikes in question. I love hearing you all discuss your rigs (past and present). I am still quite a novice when it comes to bike parts and their maintenance and look forward to learning from those kore experienced.
Ran into some unfortunate news this morning. I took the Miyata 1000 to a local shop I trust to have them look the bike over (I picked it up last week on FB marketplace and posted pictures of it on a vintage bicycle sub****** where several of the members alerted me to a potential bend in the fork). Turns out, not only is the front fork bent, but the frame is most likely bent at the head tube (took measurements, chipped paint in a tell-tale location). May seek out a second opinion, but the fram may be toast. I never actually got a chance to ride the bike. I am spending the remainder of today contemplating my options. It came with Phil Wood hubs and bottom bracket, amount other parts/accessories that could help recoup my investment. I may try and finance a new/different tourer by selling off parts, or look for a frame in my size for ~$500 and use the 1000 as a donor. May reach out to some framebuilders about fixing the damage, though I shudder at the cost this endeavor will have on both my wallet and the Miyata’s paint.
Ran into some unfortunate news this morning. I took the Miyata 1000 to a local shop I trust to have them look the bike over (I picked it up last week on FB marketplace and posted pictures of it on a vintage bicycle sub****** where several of the members alerted me to a potential bend in the fork). Turns out, not only is the front fork bent, but the frame is most likely bent at the head tube (took measurements, chipped paint in a tell-tale location). May seek out a second opinion, but the fram may be toast. I never actually got a chance to ride the bike. I am spending the remainder of today contemplating my options. It came with Phil Wood hubs and bottom bracket, amount other parts/accessories that could help recoup my investment. I may try and finance a new/different tourer by selling off parts, or look for a frame in my size for ~$500 and use the 1000 as a donor. May reach out to some framebuilders about fixing the damage, though I shudder at the cost this endeavor will have on both my wallet and the Miyata’s paint.
#37
Senior Member
oh, I picked up a used fatbike and am having a fricking blast on it, a real lark. It has pretty narrow fatbike rims, 60, 55, 50mm? the narrowest for 4in tires anyway, so maybe could take 3inchers or something narrower. But it is 26" so not really sure that there are any options for plus size 26ers anymore, will have to figure out what can fit onto the rims, and we've got the whole winter to get through anyway so 4 inchers it is for a while.
Am just starting to get my head around how low pressures I can run, 5.5 psi has been great at times, even with undersized tubes (3" downhill tubes)
cheers
#40
Senior Member
I know you oldie bike guys don't want to hear it, but if a newer xl newer touring bike shows up, you might consider it.
good luck in any case.
#41
Senior Member
I worked for Mel Pinto Imports in VA while I was in high school in the mid to late '60s. An immigrant from Morocco, Mel was one of the first US importers of European bicycles. In the 60s we shipped Gitanes all over the country. We also distributed TA and Stronglight cranksets including the TA triple. The Gitane "Hosteller" was an early entry level touring bike with racks and triple chainrings ...
#42
From American Cycling magazine (now Bicycling) August 1967 (yes, I'm a hoarder!). Half step + granny was common then ...
photo by Fred DeLong
Last edited by BobG; 01-08-22 at 07:55 AM.
#43
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Eastern Shore, MD
Posts: 2,111
Bikes: Road ready: 1993 Koga Miyata City Liner Touring Hybrid, 1989 Centurion Sport DLX, "I Blame GP" Bridgestone CB-1. Projects: Yea, I got a problem....
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I think we're softer, bigger and infected with a false pride about occasionally walking up a hill. I've done a short tour on a Koga Miyata Cityliner, in the same class as a Miyata 1000. It was way to whippy with 330 pounds of bike, me and gear on the tires. The bike was set up with 3x7 gearing with rapid fire shifters and 38-40mm tires. I rebuilt a set of veteran Jandd bags, and adapted them to Tubus racks. It rode much better with less over all weight carried and the heavy stuff in the front panniers.
I've taken a Trek 728 on a unloaded joy ride and it had a nice springy ride with 230 pounds of me in the saddle, I'm not sure how it would handle another 40 pounds of gear, or the extra 20 pounds of Covid weight. This bike has Bruce Gordon racks and bags, but needs a a bunch of work and paint, so it waits.
I also have a very clean Bridgestone T700 with racks and a full set of Rhode Gear bags. I haven't ridden this one yet but, this is the one for "playing dress up" . Im not sure about the head bands and cut offs, but I do have a bunch of vintage camping gear, so I'm sure I could entertain my self for a long weekend "reenacting" Funny thing though, my misspent youth found me living out of a backpack, and the bulk of my "kit" was from the 30's to 50's. So all this 80's stuff is solidly in the stuff I was aware of as a kid, but would never be in the "handmedown" supply chain. But maybe my kid will be taking a 50 year old bike across country.
Next time I try a loaded tour it will be on a mid 90's T700 Cannondale frame. Touring was deprioritized with Covid. I haven't built it up yet, but it will have some sort of Shimano 3x7 index/friction drive train, perhaps with a 94/58 bcd crank. It looks like I'll be running 35mm tires on this bike, which is not as nice as a squishy 40mm, but an improvement over a 27x1 1/4 "vintage" wheelset. I've got a new dynamo wheel set and lights sourced. The Tubus racks from the Miyata will swap over and will hold a set of Ortlieb luggage. Over all this bike is an attempt to put together a functional machine that combines a bunch of "peak" technologies. A big part of the "vintage charm" was the initial $50 buy in for the frame and parts.
I've taken a Trek 728 on a unloaded joy ride and it had a nice springy ride with 230 pounds of me in the saddle, I'm not sure how it would handle another 40 pounds of gear, or the extra 20 pounds of Covid weight. This bike has Bruce Gordon racks and bags, but needs a a bunch of work and paint, so it waits.
I also have a very clean Bridgestone T700 with racks and a full set of Rhode Gear bags. I haven't ridden this one yet but, this is the one for "playing dress up" . Im not sure about the head bands and cut offs, but I do have a bunch of vintage camping gear, so I'm sure I could entertain my self for a long weekend "reenacting" Funny thing though, my misspent youth found me living out of a backpack, and the bulk of my "kit" was from the 30's to 50's. So all this 80's stuff is solidly in the stuff I was aware of as a kid, but would never be in the "handmedown" supply chain. But maybe my kid will be taking a 50 year old bike across country.
Next time I try a loaded tour it will be on a mid 90's T700 Cannondale frame. Touring was deprioritized with Covid. I haven't built it up yet, but it will have some sort of Shimano 3x7 index/friction drive train, perhaps with a 94/58 bcd crank. It looks like I'll be running 35mm tires on this bike, which is not as nice as a squishy 40mm, but an improvement over a 27x1 1/4 "vintage" wheelset. I've got a new dynamo wheel set and lights sourced. The Tubus racks from the Miyata will swap over and will hold a set of Ortlieb luggage. Over all this bike is an attempt to put together a functional machine that combines a bunch of "peak" technologies. A big part of the "vintage charm" was the initial $50 buy in for the frame and parts.
Last edited by bark_eater; 01-08-22 at 06:38 AM.
#44
Senior Member
The htfu attitude has always been there throughout the decades, partly due to technical limitations but mostly imo from hubris and all that.
Hard legged racer types have always looked down at regular people for being wimpy, but let's face it, taking care of your knees and legs with less lugging the crap out of your knees is even accepted and proven in the racing world now for a few decades, and as a very average skinny guy, having lower gearing over the decades of touring has been a real factor that I can still tour at close to 60 and look a lot younger than I am because I'm still active--and I credit taking care of my knees as part of still being active.
#45
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Need one of these too!
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Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.
Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.
#46
Senior Member
I had a second set of super-light road wheels built for my 720, for when I wasn't touring on it. It handled great as a road bike - very responsive and fun to ride. Obviously not as light and fast as a "real" road bike, but it made up for it in comfort. I could stay on that bike all day long.
#47
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Eastern Shore, MD
Posts: 2,111
Bikes: Road ready: 1993 Koga Miyata City Liner Touring Hybrid, 1989 Centurion Sport DLX, "I Blame GP" Bridgestone CB-1. Projects: Yea, I got a problem....
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Mines cosmetics are kind of rough. Extra unused brazeons, patched paint and no decals. The wheelset is nice but 27". When I get to it, I think it's going to be a full "Resurrecto" with paint, decals and maybe a 650b wheelset. I think it's hard use days are over.
#48
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Join Date: Feb 2016
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https://appleton.craigslist.org/bik/...420637795.html
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#49
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Madison, WI
Posts: 11,549
Bikes: 1961 Ideor, 1966 Perfekt 3 Speed AB Hub, 1994 Bridgestone MB-6, 2006 Airnimal Joey, 2009 Thorn Sherpa, 2013 Thorn Nomad MkII, 2015 VO Pass Hunter, 2017 Lynskey Backroad, 2017 Raleigh Gran Prix, 1980s Bianchi Mixte on a trainer. Others are now gone.
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If you want to stick with Friction, go ahead, but the Shimano indexed bar end BS-64 shifters work great, the rear is either friction or indexed. But, because they work great, unfortunately they fetch good money on Ebay which is a downside to them. The Shimano eight and nine speed derailleurs were interchangeable, lots of them out there. I am using 1990s vintage XT rear derailleurs on three bikes and have a few spares on the shelf.
#50
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Madison, WI
Posts: 11,549
Bikes: 1961 Ideor, 1966 Perfekt 3 Speed AB Hub, 1994 Bridgestone MB-6, 2006 Airnimal Joey, 2009 Thorn Sherpa, 2013 Thorn Nomad MkII, 2015 VO Pass Hunter, 2017 Lynskey Backroad, 2017 Raleigh Gran Prix, 1980s Bianchi Mixte on a trainer. Others are now gone.
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...
Hard legged racer types have always looked down at regular people for being wimpy, but let's face it, taking care of your knees and legs with less lugging the crap out of your knees is even accepted and proven in the racing world now for a few decades, and as a very average skinny guy, having lower gearing over the decades of touring has been a real factor that I can still tour at close to 60 and look a lot younger than I am because I'm still active--and I credit taking care of my knees as part of still being active.
Hard legged racer types have always looked down at regular people for being wimpy, but let's face it, taking care of your knees and legs with less lugging the crap out of your knees is even accepted and proven in the racing world now for a few decades, and as a very average skinny guy, having lower gearing over the decades of touring has been a real factor that I can still tour at close to 60 and look a lot younger than I am because I'm still active--and I credit taking care of my knees as part of still being active.
I do not remember how long ago it was when Hamilton broke his collar bone, but could stay in the race because one of the mechanics had a compact double that he put on the bike. Without the lower gearing, Hamilton likely would not have won a stage in the Tour de France. Suddenly compact doubles were a popular way to have lower gears on a road bike.
In the 1970s I bought a used early 60s racing bike, it had a 13/21 freewheel and the double crank had 52/48 chainrings. I was pretty close to using the lowest gears just for riding on the flats. But years later the racers clearly realized that sensible gearing was what they needed if they wanted to win.