If you could only have one vintage 12-speed...
#1
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If you could only have one vintage 12-speed...
Years ago I inherited my Dad's 1989 Centurion Accordo. While not the fanciest or raciest bike around, I loved its simplicity and ride. I put thousands of miles on the frame over the past decade. Recently though, the frame cracked though and I've been looking to replace it with another classic or vintage bike from the 70s-90s.
While there are undoubtedly countless amazing options, I was curious of peoples opinions: If you could only have one 12-speed vintage bike, to be ridden often and far, what would you choose?
I want a 12-speed because I already have a set of CR-18s with a 6-speed shimano rear cassette that is ready to go on most 12-speed bikes that I find.
I'm looking for find an old bike or frame and rehab the bike. It won't necessary be to the exact historical specs, but I'm looking for a really fun and cool vintage machine that I can enjoy.
What would be your top few pics?
Edit: I think the budget for the frame should be no more than $150. Budget for the whole bike is $250, MAX $300.
While there are undoubtedly countless amazing options, I was curious of peoples opinions: If you could only have one 12-speed vintage bike, to be ridden often and far, what would you choose?
I want a 12-speed because I already have a set of CR-18s with a 6-speed shimano rear cassette that is ready to go on most 12-speed bikes that I find.
I'm looking for find an old bike or frame and rehab the bike. It won't necessary be to the exact historical specs, but I'm looking for a really fun and cool vintage machine that I can enjoy.
What would be your top few pics?
Edit: I think the budget for the frame should be no more than $150. Budget for the whole bike is $250, MAX $300.
Last edited by wagonfanatic; 08-28-15 at 07:00 PM.
#2
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I'd consider an early '69 or '70 Raleigh Professional. Would have to spread the rear for a true 6-speed though. Me - advocating a Raleigh. Go figure.
A later (late 70's) International would have similar geometry and not need to have the frame spread.
A later (late 70's) International would have similar geometry and not need to have the frame spread.
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#3
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I'd say my De Rosa, I finally found one thats a perfect fit.
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Sheesh...there are thousands of options, and none are necessarily better. Basically any 126 spacing bike will fit your wheel. Heck, an older 120 would be easy enough to re-space.
An older Italian would probably work for me...so many options. As far as stuff you can find relatively easily, and which people have heard of, I'd probably go with a late 60s Cinelli Super Corsa. They're tough and durable, they have great all arounder geometry and space for larger tires (with eyelets) and I love the style.
An older Italian would probably work for me...so many options. As far as stuff you can find relatively easily, and which people have heard of, I'd probably go with a late 60s Cinelli Super Corsa. They're tough and durable, they have great all arounder geometry and space for larger tires (with eyelets) and I love the style.
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Not possible if there is no limit to the budget.
John
John
#7
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A Miyata 912...since I have one...though its 16speed. Odd.
I could ride that bike until my butt is numb and then keep going since I cant feel anything!
If you are looking for a frame to build up is your plan to just swap all the components off the Accordo onto the new frame? Could be fun. If you go for a build up, you could keep that 6speed cassette and get a triple for the front and suddenly you are basking in the luxury of an 18 speed!
In all seriousness, I would just be on the lookout for frames that fit me and then consider each one on their own until I see one I like. I think I would miss too many great possibilities if I searched only for specific bikes/frames.
Have fun in the search and build and post pics along the way!
I could ride that bike until my butt is numb and then keep going since I cant feel anything!
If you are looking for a frame to build up is your plan to just swap all the components off the Accordo onto the new frame? Could be fun. If you go for a build up, you could keep that 6speed cassette and get a triple for the front and suddenly you are basking in the luxury of an 18 speed!
In all seriousness, I would just be on the lookout for frames that fit me and then consider each one on their own until I see one I like. I think I would miss too many great possibilities if I searched only for specific bikes/frames.
Have fun in the search and build and post pics along the way!
#8
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A Miyata 912...since I have one...though its 16speed. Odd.
I could ride that bike until my butt is numb and then keep going since I cant feel anything!
If you are looking for a frame to build up is your plan to just swap all the components off the Accordo onto the new frame? Could be fun. If you go for a build up, you could keep that 6speed cassette and get a triple for the front and suddenly you are basking in the luxury of an 18 speed!
In all seriousness, I would just be on the lookout for frames that fit me and then consider each one on their own until I see one I like. I think I would miss too many great possibilities if I searched only for specific bikes/frames.
Have fun in the search and build and post pics along the way!
I could ride that bike until my butt is numb and then keep going since I cant feel anything!
If you are looking for a frame to build up is your plan to just swap all the components off the Accordo onto the new frame? Could be fun. If you go for a build up, you could keep that 6speed cassette and get a triple for the front and suddenly you are basking in the luxury of an 18 speed!
In all seriousness, I would just be on the lookout for frames that fit me and then consider each one on their own until I see one I like. I think I would miss too many great possibilities if I searched only for specific bikes/frames.
Have fun in the search and build and post pics along the way!
#9
What??? Only 2 wheels?
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My Masi and my Bianchi. And my Raleigh and Motobecane. No, wait, the Motobecane is only 2x5 so I an keep that one anyway. I'll go with the Gazelle as the 4th one.
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#12
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My Bianchi qualifies. I have changed the ratios, but still have 2x6 gearing and 126mm OLD on the rear triangle.
I have converted all of my 2x5 / 120mm road bikes to either 2x6 ultra / 123mm or 2x6 standard / 126mm, because I find I need 11 ratios (no large-large crosschaining) to provide the roughly 45 to 95 gear-inch range I want along with the 6 or 7 percent ratiometric progression I also want.
I have converted all of my 2x5 / 120mm road bikes to either 2x6 ultra / 123mm or 2x6 standard / 126mm, because I find I need 11 ratios (no large-large crosschaining) to provide the roughly 45 to 95 gear-inch range I want along with the 6 or 7 percent ratiometric progression I also want.
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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
"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
#13
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Trek. Mid-80's. Take your pick.
#14
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I would also add that I'd prefer it to be light and strong steel (as most are). Did they make a lot of Frames with Steel like Reynolds 520? Or what were the highest quality Steel Frames made in the 80s and 90s?
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Trek used full 531c on their top tier road racers. Very light and responsive. My '86 760 weighs 21.5 with a clincher wheelset that isnt known for being featherweight. There is real potential for a bike in the 19's if you go tubular.
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There are a bunch of multi-branded six speed bikes from the late eighties made from Tange #1 tubing, featuring Shimano's 105 group. Any one of them would be a nice basis to build from in your price range. I see at about one per week on craigslist.
#17
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In budget...any number of mid-range Japanese bikes. Miyata 700 series (9 if you're lucky), centurions, Lotus like cyclone. 150 seems about right for the upper mid-range raleighs...Competitions. I think the competitions are typically over priced compared to the Japanese bikes, but you can get lucky.
#18
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Years ago ....Years ago??? you inherited a 1989 model bike. .... You just made me feel old. LOL. Years ago you inherited an old bike.... a 1989 model.... how long ago did yo inherit the bike? ( I am just having a little fun with that comment, its all good! )
I got married in 1989 and in my mind, nothing from 1989 should be considered vintage. You at least have to get back into the '60's
I got married in 1989 and in my mind, nothing from 1989 should be considered vintage. You at least have to get back into the '60's
#19
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Why not replace what broke? CENTURION ACCORDO MENS BIKE
Someone said he keeps thinking 1990 was ten years ago. I said... it was!
Someone said he keeps thinking 1990 was ten years ago. I said... it was!
#20
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I am with dave: if you liked the centurion, then get a centurion! of the bikes I own, if I had to go down to just one: id keep the centurion- and it was the least expensive of the lot.
and JGM411 is old. so what he says is only worth 30% of what younger people say.
and JGM411 is old. so what he says is only worth 30% of what younger people say.
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if only one 126mm bike, it has to be lightweight and have eyelets for a rack.
my '80 grand jubilé fits the bill. there was something great about the position it put me in on hills -- seemed i was often taking them in a bigger gear than on some of my other, more racing oriented bikes with shorter wheelbases.
there's not a whole lot of talk here of its tubing, vitus 172. i don't know if it's as strong as 531, but it's gotta be every bit as light. great stuff for my build, anyway.
i recently picked up a full 531 frameset that's awesome too. but ... no eyelets. fortunately, i can have a dedicated grocery getter as (at least) a second bike.
i ended up selling the grand jubilé and keeping my '76 grand record, making it my grocery getter. go figure. i guess i didn't have the 126mm requirement. nah, it's really the campy.
my '80 grand jubilé fits the bill. there was something great about the position it put me in on hills -- seemed i was often taking them in a bigger gear than on some of my other, more racing oriented bikes with shorter wheelbases.
there's not a whole lot of talk here of its tubing, vitus 172. i don't know if it's as strong as 531, but it's gotta be every bit as light. great stuff for my build, anyway.
i recently picked up a full 531 frameset that's awesome too. but ... no eyelets. fortunately, i can have a dedicated grocery getter as (at least) a second bike.
i ended up selling the grand jubilé and keeping my '76 grand record, making it my grocery getter. go figure. i guess i didn't have the 126mm requirement. nah, it's really the campy.
#23
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I have heard the rumors about how great a bike this is. - i'd love to get my slightly grubby hands on one. beautiful man.
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Stick with Centurion. I really enjoy my Super Le Mans 6-speed with funky bar end shifters.
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I want a root beer colored 1974 Raleigh supercourse.
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