As a great fan of these lovely 1970s bikes (all DB 531, Nervex lugs), I wanted to share another cyclist's webpage about his experiences spent touring the US and England one summer on his own "sport touring - racing" bike, still with tubulars and all the original components.
http://www.uscoles.com/
It reminds me of my own experiences touring through Europe during Spring, 1970 to Summer, 1971 and on an equally ill-chosen PX-10. This was, of course, to the horror of the sensible French bike shop owner, who only reluctantly sold me the bike, under much protest. He finally agreed to attach a Pletscher rear rack, a handlebar bag, and a generator light. I compromised and he changed out the tubular racing wheels to a set of 700c clinchers - at least slightly better suited to this stupid American's intentions. Of course, that was back when I had tree-trunk thighs, limitless energy, and was both too inspired and too stupid to even notice fatigue, or pain. Such memories will keep me forever in love with travel, bicycles and cycling. I wonder if there are any kids today who still have this craving for adventure. Or, do they all just play video games, plug in some tunes on the ipod, and cruise aimlessly in their new Toyota while eating junk food and talking endlessly on their cellphones... all summer long.
God, I'm OLD! ... But, I still love to play with my bicycles!
Bob Hanson, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA