Wow - just a wealth of information. Thank you. You are correct. It is small diameter tubing, and lots of frame flex. I have the original 27' AVAYA rims (well- what came with bike when I purchased it, but spokes needed replacement.
I guess maybe I should embrace this bike as it exists....a great commuter and grocery/beer bike. I put Crank Brothers Double-Shot 1 on so I can ride in flip-flops to dedicated cycling shoes, depending on the purpose of the ride.
But oddly - as a Sport Touring Bike, 27' tires mean less clearance for fenders, yet also has a low trail geometry, which means it rides worse with skinny tires. That being said, if you drop down to 622mm rims, with 28' tires, might be the perfect supported touring bike (think Ride the Rockies).