Retro Bike Shopping
08-11-22, 06:25 PM
#1
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Retro Bike Shopping
I am looking at "retro" rides, for a number of reason - cost being one, but I've never been one to follow the crowd! Currently investigating two Kuwahara's (an old Savage and an old Shasta), a '97 Specialized Rockhopper, a Cannondale F300, and old late 80's Raleigh Matterhorn... A '92 Miyata Evolution 150 (base model)... A Univega Rover-306... Two 90s Treks - an 830and and a '92 820 Antelope ($60), a late 80's Fiori (Norco Canada)... An early 90's Giant 870 ATX... And an early 90's BCR Gonzo (Canadian). (Add a Gary Fisher Evolution with a bent back rim, already on skids, CD$40.00)
I really want to re-experience the old steel frames, once again, as a commuter.
Thoughts? All seem in the same, reasonable condition. Maybe a few need a tune up, and a few are road ready.
I really want to re-experience the old steel frames, once again, as a commuter.
Thoughts? All seem in the same, reasonable condition. Maybe a few need a tune up, and a few are road ready.
Last edited by Everton FC; 08-11-22 at 07:07 PM.
08-12-22, 12:49 AM
#2
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The spread of bike types and potential conditions is pretty wide. Not sure how helpful folks can be without pictures and deets of each.
What's your price point or range?
If you're not in a rush to have a specific bike, and are interested in trying a few out (and don't mind losing a few bucks or some of your time), then find some deals and play with them.
There are fun threads in this forum that show what can be done with older MTBs to make them pretty versatile.
Also don't neglect the What's it Worth subforum where you can ask if something is worth the money. Might save you from getting into the red.
What's your price point or range?
If you're not in a rush to have a specific bike, and are interested in trying a few out (and don't mind losing a few bucks or some of your time), then find some deals and play with them.
There are fun threads in this forum that show what can be done with older MTBs to make them pretty versatile.
Also don't neglect the What's it Worth subforum where you can ask if something is worth the money. Might save you from getting into the red.
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08-12-22, 06:18 AM
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Each vintage bike is a learning experience the way I see it. You will figure out what you like by riding many. First get the size you like then ride an old bike for a while. After years of trying a little of everything, I have come to understand I enjoy good steel in a sport touring frameset. Also that 24" is pretty much the size I prefer. There is much one can do to a particular bike to make it useful like putting racks, fenders and the like on it. All of which I do. You're going to have to take the plunge to learn what you want.
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08-12-22, 06:28 AM
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You probably want to check what size tyre they can take.
A wider tyre gives more cushion for commuting.
My 82 Holdsworth will just take a 28mm tyre at 75psi, it would have originally run 23mm at 100psi.
The Silca Pro pressure calculator (https://silcavelo.eu/pages/sppc-form) has an option for "worn pavement / some cracks"
A wider tyre gives more cushion for commuting.
My 82 Holdsworth will just take a 28mm tyre at 75psi, it would have originally run 23mm at 100psi.
The Silca Pro pressure calculator (https://silcavelo.eu/pages/sppc-form) has an option for "worn pavement / some cracks"
08-12-22, 06:47 AM
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08-12-22, 06:52 AM
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I'm sort of honed in on a '93 Specialized Rockhopper. So a slightly wider tire shouldn't be a problem. I plan on using it this winter, as well. Alberta winters won't allow me to bike every day - but some days!
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08-12-22, 08:45 AM
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I don’t have much to add other than to say as a fellow Everton fan and with the beginning of EPL season here, you should treat yourself to the best bike possible to comfort you for the hard times ahead.
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N = '96 Colnago C40, '04 Wilier Alpe D'Huez, '10 Colnago EPS, '85 Merckx Pro, '89 Merckx Century, '86 Tommasini Professional, '04 Teschner Aero FX Pro, '05 Alan Carbon Cross, '86 De Rosa Professional, '82 Colnago Super, '95 Gios Compact Pro, '95 Carrera Zeus, '84 Basso Gap, ‘89 Cinelli Supercorsa, ‘83 Bianchi Specialissima, ‘VO Randonneur, Ritchey Breakaway Steel, '84 Paletti Super Prestige, Heron Randonneur
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08-12-22, 10:26 AM
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so you are saying you won't bike at 40 below ???? (which for us usa types is the same in Celsius and Fahrenheit.....i.e damn cold.....I grew up in montana so close to the canadian border watched cbc from lethbridge)
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Life is too short not to ride the best bike you have, as much as you can
(looking for Torpado Super light frame/fork or for Raleigh International frame fork 58cm)
Life is too short not to ride the best bike you have, as much as you can
(looking for Torpado Super light frame/fork or for Raleigh International frame fork 58cm)
08-12-22, 11:57 AM
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I have more faith in our boys! All we need is a couple of strikers!! Seems that's the same challenge for us since Lukaku departed. Sadly.
08-12-22, 11:58 AM
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