Stuck between three great bikes.

Hi all,

Coming to you for your sacred wisdom again. I’m buying an 80’s touring bike and need some help narrowing it down.

For context, my partner has a Miyata touring bike that I am just in love with, it’s in the first picture. It’s about a 57cm (seat tube center to center) and fits better than any road bike I’ve ever owned, so I’m going to get something similar. This one is a “mullet” and has a 27” wheel in the rear and a 700 wheel in the front. Tomorrow I’m seeing a guy who’s got three similar bikes.

First is a Raleigh Carlton with reynolds 531 of unknown year and model. I saw one person claiming it was a Carlton Super Course but didn’t claim a year. Owner says it’s a 58, I believe it just looking at it. They also say it has 700c wheels, which in my mind is a huge plus. 27’s always felt wonky. This is my main choice.

Second is a shogun 600 with Shimano 600 components. It’s absolutely beautiful but I don’t know anytbing about the frame material and it looks a tad small. 27” wheels.

Last is a Panasonic dx-3000 with Shimano 600. It looks a touch big. I know these kinda became cult classics or had a big following at one point but wanted to see if anyone ever owned one. 27” wheels on this one too.

As a disclaimer: all of the bikes are deemed by me to be at a reasonable price for the condition they are in. I have access to a wealth of parts and will be fixing up whichever one I purchase.

Thanks!! You guys are the best calmest nicest subreddit on all of Reddit. Hope you know that I love being here.