I've seen a few of my friends go out and spend 800+ dollars on really old bikes. I don't get it. It's not for nostalgia, I know that much. Why not go out and buy a solid new bike, for the same money?
I have a club buddy that has several state-of-the art road bikes (His best is a Serotta Ti with full Dura Ace). Yet the bike that shows up the most is an '82 Raleigh, similar to the one used by Fignon during one of his tour wins, with newer DA and Ultegra components. It's a beautiful lugged frame with fire engine red paint and lots of chrome. It's no lightweight (21-22 lbs), but he loves the ride, and he doesn't appear to be slowed down. I have a '91 Pinarello that is a joy to ride. As my oldest of three bikes, it has the lesser of the components, but it still sings along nicely on the road. I wouldn't part with it for less than $800.AmpedCycle said:I've seen a few of my friends go out and spend 800+ dollars on really old bikes. I don't get it. It's not for nostalgia, I know that much. Why not go out and buy a solid new bike, for the same money?
Forget you guys. I'll bet that my mid-low level 2005 specialized allez sport is faster and better handling than all those lugged beasts you keep nostalging over. Come on, get over it, live in the now!PeterF said:I have a club buddy that has several state-of-the art road bikes (His best is a Serotta Ti with full Dura Ace). Yet the bike that shows up the most is an '82 Raleigh, similar to the one used by Fignon during one of his tour wins, with newer DA and Ultegra components. It's a beautiful lugged frame with fire engine red paint and lots of chrome. It's no lightweight (21-22 lbs), but he loves the ride, and he doesn't appear to be slowed down. I have a '91 Pinarello that is a joy to ride. As my oldest of three bikes, it has the lesser of the components, but it still sings along nicely on the road. I wouldn't part with it for less than $800.
AmpedCycle said:Forget you guys. I'll bet that my mid-low level 2005 specialized allez sport is faster and better handling than all those lugged beasts you keep nostalging over. Come on, get over it, live in the now!
And no, I won't pay 800 for one of those damned beasts.
I do have an '04 Dedacciai 16.5 frame with carbon stays and full carbon fork, that is lighter and quicker than my old bike. But the '91 is still a lot of fun to ride, and I always get compliments on it's looks. Have you tried a nice lugged steel frame? They really do make for a smooth ride.AmpedCycle said:Forget you guys. I'll bet that my mid-low level 2005 specialized allez sport is faster and better handling than all those lugged beasts you keep nostalging over. Come on, get over it, live in the now!
And no, I won't pay 800 for one of those damned beasts.
I ride a old british frame with N.Record Campagnolo parts on it ..... I have logged and documented over 80,000 miles over 30 years...... Some of the parts have been replaced .... seat, handlebars, cables, chain, tires, and a rear hub...... The drivetrain is original........AmpedCycle said:Forget you guys. I'll bet that my mid-low level 2005 specialized allez sport is faster and better handling than all those lugged beasts you keep nostalging over. Come on, get over it, live in the now!
And no, I won't pay 800 for one of those damned beasts.
New bikes aren't all that solid. Carbon and aluminum frames are intended to be disposable. A well built steel frame can be almost as light and if cared for last a lifetime.AmpedCycle said:I've seen a few of my friends go out and spend 800+ dollars on really old bikes. I don't get it. It's not for nostalgia, I know that much. Why not go out and buy a solid new bike, for the same money?
Racing is another story...... you are not looking for a lifetime bike..... 4 years ago , a riding buddy and I had this evening ride to our favorite pub about 10 miles away ...... He rode a really nice $ 3000 aluminum job and I rode my handbuilt British frame ..... One night on our way home I rode with out putting my hands on the bars ....... On this particular route there were very few cars..... Only once , and only because there was a car approaching from behind and when that happened we jumped upon the sidewalk, did I put my hands on the bars......chch_legend said:There is something truly elegant about the old retro bike, they don't make them like they used to. Have a look at a few of the websites dedicated to old school bikes, it is fantastic to see the number of people out there who are embracing the old steel frames.
I ride a $6000 bike for my training and racing but am trying to find an old retro frame to set up as a single speed for the commute to work and brunch on the weekends. May even look at having a steel frame custom build for me.
I would totally shell out some bucks on an old bike, but only if the previous owner had invested in it and kept it up to the standards of the times. It wouldn't make any sense to buy an old bike for a lot of money just to have it break down and then find out they don't make replacement parts anymore.I've seen a few of my friends go out and spend 800+ dollars on really old bikes. I don't get it. It's not for nostalgia, I know that much. Why not go out and buy a solid new bike, for the same money?
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