Originally Posted by
prairiepedaler
There is some romanticism involved around certain vintage things that have evoked prolonged lore I've noticed. I wouldn't turn away a Miyata 1000 when it comes calling but I would choose a modern high quality touring bike over it given the choice.
Originally Posted by
Chr0m0ly
How would the modern bike be better?
I think there's an element of truth to that.
I think the famous grand tourers of the early to mid 80s placed the premium on lightweight tubing that was strong enough to be used as a tourer. Based on my owning a 1984 Schwinn Voyageur SP, a 1985 Trek 620, a 1985 Trek 720 and a 1990 Miyata 10000LT- the Miyata is a much more "stout" bike. With that extra weight, it's also a much more "stable" and "grounded" bike- it doesn't have the "give" that the other lighter bikes have. It's a different ride- I think it would be a much more reassuring with a load going downhill.
I think "touring" bikes of today (like the Surly LHT) have more in common with a circa 1990 Miyata 1000LT than a 1985 Trek 720. I think the newer bike is going to have more room and clearance for wider tires. However, generally speaking- the modern bikes are more spartan and less majestic than the bikes of the 80s and early 90s.