i had a similiar first generation 57cm Heron Tourer. as a loaded tourer it handled well and was quite comfortable. i never used it with less than 4 panniers, rear rack/bag and front handlebar bag so i cant comment on how it rode unloaded
it did have a couple shortcomings. first, a modern loaded tourer doenst need horizontal dropouts. second, the fork crown could fit a 700x38mm tire but wasnt wide enough to accomadate 50mm fenders while pinching SKS 45mm fenders
i sold the 57cm and bought a used second generation Heron tourer (Wayfarer i believe) which has vertical dropouts and a wider/stouter fork crown. it hangs on the wall unbuilt so i cant compare but it might be called into action this summer
mike goldman
warwick,r.i.
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