If you could only have one vintage 12-speed...
08-28-15, 12:08 PM
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Fairbanks, Alaska
Posts: 130
Bikes: 2018 Salsa Mukluk, 85 Faggin, Brompton 6, 04 Lemond Wayzata (Poprad Clone), '97 Novara Randonee (DD/ touring workhorse)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 10 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
1 Post
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.
08-28-15, 12:18 PM
#2
Señor Member
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Hardy, VA
Posts: 17,923
Bikes: Mostly English - predominantly Raleighs
Mentioned: 70 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1491 Post(s)
Liked 1,090 Times
in
638 Posts
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.
__________________
In search of what to search for.
In search of what to search for.
08-28-15, 12:24 PM
#3
Senior Member
I'd say my De Rosa, I finally found one thats a perfect fit.
__________________
Semper fi
Semper fi
08-28-15, 12:29 PM
#5
Fat Guy on a Little Bike
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Posts: 15,944
Bikes: Two wheeled ones
Mentioned: 42 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1254 Post(s)
Liked 345 Times
in
174 Posts
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.
08-28-15, 12:33 PM
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Mission Viejo
Posts: 5,805
Bikes: 1986 Cannondale SR400 (Flat bar commuter), 1988 Cannondale Criterium XTR, 1992 Serotta T-Max, 1995 Trek 970
Mentioned: 20 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1943 Post(s)
Liked 2,164 Times
in
1,323 Posts
Not possible if there is no limit to the budget.
John
John
08-28-15, 12:35 PM
#7
Sunshine
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Des Moines, IA
Posts: 16,611
Bikes: '18 class built steel roadbike, '19 Fairlight Secan, '88 Schwinn Premis , Black Mountain Cycles Monstercross V4, '89 Novara Trionfo
Mentioned: 123 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 10955 Post(s)
Liked 7,484 Times
in
4,186 Posts
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!
08-28-15, 12:38 PM
#8
Fat Guy on a Little Bike
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Posts: 15,944
Bikes: Two wheeled ones
Mentioned: 42 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1254 Post(s)
Liked 345 Times
in
174 Posts
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!
08-28-15, 12:48 PM
#9
What??? Only 2 wheels?
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Boston-ish, MA
Posts: 13,434
Bikes: 72 Peugeot UO-8, 82 Peugeot TH8, 87 Bianchi Brava, 76? Masi Grand Criterium, 74 Motobecane Champion Team, 86 & 77 Gazelle champion mondial, 81? Grandis, 82? Tommasini, 83 Peugeot PF10
Mentioned: 189 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1222 Post(s)
Liked 645 Times
in
232 Posts
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.
__________________
Real cyclists use toe clips.
With great bikes comes great responsibility.
jimmuller
Real cyclists use toe clips.
With great bikes comes great responsibility.
jimmuller
08-28-15, 01:11 PM
#12
feros ferio
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: www.ci.encinitas.ca.us
Posts: 21,796
Bikes: 1959 Capo Modell Campagnolo; 1960 Capo Sieger (2); 1962 Carlton Franco Suisse; 1970 Peugeot UO-8; 1982 Bianchi Campione d'Italia; 1988 Schwinn Project KOM-10;
Mentioned: 44 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1392 Post(s)
Liked 1,324 Times
in
836 Posts
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.
__________________
"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
"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
08-28-15, 06:10 PM
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: northern michigan
Posts: 13,317
Bikes: '77 Colnago Super, '76 Fuji The Finest, '88 Cannondale Criterium, '86 Trek 760, '87 Miyata 712
Mentioned: 19 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 659 Post(s)
Liked 595 Times
in
313 Posts
Trek. Mid-80's. Take your pick.
08-28-15, 07:01 PM
#14
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Fairbanks, Alaska
Posts: 130
Bikes: 2018 Salsa Mukluk, 85 Faggin, Brompton 6, 04 Lemond Wayzata (Poprad Clone), '97 Novara Randonee (DD/ touring workhorse)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 10 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
1 Post
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?
08-28-15, 07:15 PM
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: northern michigan
Posts: 13,317
Bikes: '77 Colnago Super, '76 Fuji The Finest, '88 Cannondale Criterium, '86 Trek 760, '87 Miyata 712
Mentioned: 19 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 659 Post(s)
Liked 595 Times
in
313 Posts
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.
08-28-15, 07:27 PM
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Carlstadt, NJ
Posts: 404
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
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.
08-28-15, 07:40 PM
#17
Fat Guy on a Little Bike
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Posts: 15,944
Bikes: Two wheeled ones
Mentioned: 42 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1254 Post(s)
Liked 345 Times
in
174 Posts
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.
08-28-15, 08:02 PM
#18
Full Member
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Carlyle IL
Posts: 246
Bikes: 2014 Trek Domane 5.2 2014(i think) Giant Defy Advanced 2 2013 Trek 7.3, 1973 Schwinn Continental, 1967 AMF Hercules
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times
in
6 Posts
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
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
08-28-15, 08:07 PM
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: D'uh... I am a Cutter
Posts: 6,139
Bikes: '17 Access Old Turnpike Gravel bike, '14 Trek 1.1, '13 Cannondale CAAD 10, '98 CAD 2, R300
Mentioned: 62 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1571 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 12 Times
in
9 Posts
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!
08-28-15, 08:23 PM
#20
Senior Member
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.
08-28-15, 09:31 PM
#21
Banned.
Join Date: May 2011
Location: on the beach
Posts: 4,816
Bikes: '73 falcon sr, '76 grand record, '84 davidson
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 59 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 22 Times
in
17 Posts
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.
08-28-15, 09:38 PM
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: northern michigan
Posts: 13,317
Bikes: '77 Colnago Super, '76 Fuji The Finest, '88 Cannondale Criterium, '86 Trek 760, '87 Miyata 712
Mentioned: 19 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 659 Post(s)
Liked 595 Times
in
313 Posts
I would never get rid of this. My obvious choice:
If nothing else strikes your fancy in what's been listed, just come on over to "The Club". We serve Columbus SL.
If nothing else strikes your fancy in what's been listed, just come on over to "The Club". We serve Columbus SL.
Last edited by OldsCOOL; 08-28-15 at 09:41 PM.
08-28-15, 09:48 PM
#23
Senior Member
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.
08-28-15, 10:52 PM
#24
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: By theBeach and Palos Verdes, CA adjacent
Posts: 554
Bikes: One of each: Road, Hybrid, Trekking
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 137 Post(s)
Liked 115 Times
in
53 Posts
Stick with Centurion. I really enjoy my Super Le Mans 6-speed with funky bar end shifters.
08-28-15, 11:01 PM
#25
Not lost wanderer.
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Lititz, Pa
Posts: 3,327
Bikes: In USA; 73 Raleigh Super Course dingle speed, 72 Raleigh Gran Sport SS, 72 Geoffry Butler, 81 Centurion Pro-Tour, 74 Gugie Grandier Sportier
Mentioned: 72 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 885 Post(s)
Liked 990 Times
in
522 Posts
I want a root beer colored 1974 Raleigh supercourse.
__________________
Cambodia bikes, Bridgestone SRAM 2 speed, 2012 Fuji Stratos...
Cambodia bikes, Bridgestone SRAM 2 speed, 2012 Fuji Stratos...