Sentimental frame
04-18-18, 06:23 PM
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Sentimental frame
I recently was given a 76(?) Raleigh record frame and a box of (all original) parts my best friend was working on when he passed by his mother. I got it up and running and am happy to show it off but it's WAY too tall for me. I like the legnth but the top tube is kinda up in my down tube... Does anyone else ride a ill fitting frame for sentimental reasons? Or am I just being an idot and should keep it on my wall?
04-19-18, 06:49 AM
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If you have the room to store it, why not? I wouldn't do long distances on an ill fitting bike, but short recreational rides, sure!
A lot of vintage stuff, as the size goes up, the top tube doesn't grow that much.
A lot of vintage stuff, as the size goes up, the top tube doesn't grow that much.
04-19-18, 08:06 AM
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I'd use it, nice to have and keep maintained. Every bike has a story, and you know the story of that one. If, when (or not) you move on from it you have a wonderful tale to tell.
04-19-18, 08:57 AM
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feros ferio
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Keep in mind that tall frames were popular in the 1970s. However, I do agree with the others that a frame you could use for occasional short hops is not necessarily one you would want for serious, longer, or more frequent rides.
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Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
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"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
04-19-18, 11:06 AM
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Erroneously posted to wrong thread, hopefully my delete will work eventually.
Last edited by ollo_ollo; 04-19-18 at 10:45 PM. Reason: error
04-19-18, 11:27 AM
#8
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I recently was given a 76(?) Raleigh record frame and a box of (all original) parts my best friend was working on when he passed by his mother. I got it up and running and am happy to show it off but it's WAY too tall for me. I like the legnth but the top tube is kinda up in my down tube... Does anyone else ride a ill fitting frame for sentimental reasons? Or am I just being an idot and should keep it on my wall?
Can you get both heels flat on the ground when standing over the top tube? If so, you're fine, even if just barely. If not, IMO it's a wall hanger, though some people do in fact ride bigger frame sizes than they can straddle. (especially in past decades)
04-19-18, 12:28 PM
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Depends on how you live the word 'sentimental'.
For 'best friend', maybe it should be held for at least a while.
Long term, in-your-best-memories does not equal in-your-face-memories. At least, for me.
For 'best friend', maybe it should be held for at least a while.
Long term, in-your-best-memories does not equal in-your-face-memories. At least, for me.
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Vintage, modern, e-road. It is a big cycling universe.
04-19-18, 01:31 PM
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I can straddle it. And I love riding it. I didn't post pictures because I converted it to a single speed and did similar to what he would have done. Although I did keep all the original parts.
And by sentimental and best friend I mean we grew up together and went through...everything together up until he passed at 20. So even though we fought a few times we never weren't friends. And he never had a chance to piss me off or loose touch so...still haven't had a friend to top him.
And by sentimental and best friend I mean we grew up together and went through...everything together up until he passed at 20. So even though we fought a few times we never weren't friends. And he never had a chance to piss me off or loose touch so...still haven't had a friend to top him.
04-19-18, 01:40 PM
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Also the bikes a beast. And riding here in columbus, Ga the roads aren't horrible but they're not great. But visiting friends in Buffalo and New Orleans...it's like a 70s muscle car vs a modern Ferrari. Ferrari is faster. But you can't hit a pothole or go over a speed bump. Between the sentimentality of it and the fact I can bunny hop a pothole...this bike is (expletive deleted) FUN!! With the seat so close to the top tube I really feel like I have alot more control and just generally more connected to the bike riding.
04-19-18, 01:46 PM
#12
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FWIW typical 70's fit was the biggest bike you could straddle. So you are authentic. There's something to be said for the old fit style. Often more comfortable and just better.
Smaller frame sizes started to get popular in the 80s thanks to Greg Lemond and others.
Smaller frame sizes started to get popular in the 80s thanks to Greg Lemond and others.
04-19-18, 01:54 PM
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Also the bikes a beast. And riding here in columbus, Ga the roads aren't horrible but they're not great. But visiting friends in Buffalo and New Orleans...it's like a 70s muscle car vs a modern Ferrari. Ferrari is faster. But you can't hit a pothole or go over a speed bump. Between the sentimentality of it and the fact I can bunny hop a pothole...this bike is (expletive deleted) FUN!! With the seat so close to the top tube I really feel like I have alot more control and just generally more connected to the bike riding.
04-19-18, 02:13 PM
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