In a message dated 8/19/04 5:31:56 AM, classicrendezvous-request@bikelist.org writes:
<< > High-end bespoke tourers were available to those who could afford
> them, but most touring cyclists used modified "sport touring" bikes,
> a.k.a. "tenspeeds."
Sheldon is basically right. The Schwinn Sports Tourer was sort of half-baked. Poor derailleurs, fairly flimsy rims. By the time the derailleurs were right, the cranks were not.
The first decent off the shelf tourer might be the Fuji America. 1976. Other examples?
Joe Bender-Zanoni Great Notch, NJ >>
Joe,
I think then and now one of the best off the shelf tourers were the purpose built semi French style Miyata 1000's. Brazed on front and rear racks, cantilevers, and other touring details. I think they were on the market in the 76-79 era and later? Dates may be off but Trek had their 728 in the early 80's with the then controvertial 700c wheel choice (full circle on that debate now).
I do some touring on my Raleigh Gran Sport form the 1972 era. Good fender clearance with reasonable tire width.
I must say that most of the bikes marketed as tourers in the 1970-80 bracket had design flaws regarding to stability when loaded with panniers. Many of these problems rapidly dissipated before mountain bikes took over.
My Trek 728 was a fine ride but the chainstays were so light and long---long--long that it was hard to control when loaded and pedaling hard even in the saddle. They improved over time. The early Cannondales were so solid several people bought the early ones for racing (it was offered only in a touring model then).
Despite these flaws several thousand people road coast to coast in 1976 on what ever Schwinn was in the garage with a grin on their face.
The is a fellow in the Midwest that hosts a three speed roadster camping tour in the late spring. Sounds like a blast. (www.threespeedtour.com or similar).
Yours in Cycling,
Gilbert Anderson
North Road Bicycle Company
519 W. North St.
Raleigh, NC 27603
USA
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E-mail: cyclestore@aol.com