Originally Posted by
elmo449
Thanks very much for the advice and suggestions everyone! I'm still looking through all the examples but already seeing some interesting options that I missed before. It seems like the clear consensus is that I should forget about the big manufacturers and focus on getting something secondhand, so I'll do that. In the past I've had trouble finding a used bike because I'm very tall, and my size rare. However, having some specific models to look for will definitely help the search.
Older canti-equipped bikes can commonly be found in sizes up to 25"/64cm. Taller than that is a crapshoot so it helps to know what you're looking for. I wanted an '80s tourer and found a very nice Nishiki Cresta GT in 25". Up until about '87 most road bikes in the U.S. market used 27" wheels and those produced later normally have 700C wheels.
If you need a frame taller than 25"/64cm then probably older Cannondale (T700, T1000) and Raleigh (Alyeska and some others) touring models might have something to fit you. Good luck!