timsorr

I have 2 low end panasonics from the 80's. I converted one to fixie years ago. I recently obtained the other, a sport 500 in good order. I have fixed and sold cheap old 10 speeds for a few years now for extra cash. I am impressed with the panasonic build quality for their price point, but I always wonder what I am missing out on. I sold a peugeot with a reynolds frame and I must say it was lighter and did seem like it would be fast (it was still not a high end bike).

So I guess the question is.... how much extra speed and reliability do you get from mid to high end bikes over one of my decent panasonics? I have had 0 reliability issues with my bikes so that seems hard to beat.

I like to ride long distance and have no interest in sprinting. I am interested in completing an Ironman at some point and I wouldn't mind doing some touring on it. Thanks all,

SJX426 

Welcome to C&V, even with post 3!

You know that speed is all about the engine. Having said that, the next thing to consider is wheel weight or more correctly, rim and tire weight. That stuff you have to make go round. Past that, experience is the best teacher. More speed and improved reliability over 100% reliability is hard to beat!

The part you didn't mention, but is implied, is long distance comfort. That is related to fit and frame dynamics during a ride.

I let others provide the answer to your question in greater detail.

Wildwood 

You won't get much (if any) speed increase with a higher quality frame on flat roads. A small improvement on climbs, assuming the same gearing. IMHO, what you gain with a higher quality frameset is a more 'refined' ride, a sense of road feel without harshness; a bike that feels more 'lively' and ready to go; an 'ease' of handling with a lighter frame.


However, almost all of the road feel comes through tires, then wheels, handlebars, shoes, saddle - frame material is low on the list (unless it's truly gas-pipe quality).


Give me great tires and wheels on a mid-range frame over a great frame with mid-range tires and wheels.
Others may disagree.

Lascauxcaveman 

Like Lance says: It's Not About the Bike.

(It's about the drugs. Spend your money on good drugs and everything else won't matter.)

Apart from that, if you're like me you will notice more of a difference in better quality wheels and tires than you will upgrading the frame set. That's typical for riders as they become more experienced and have tried lots of different setups. HOWEVER, if you shop around on your local CL and other places to find used bikes, you may very well find a whole new more modern, lighter, efficient setup for the price of a pair of mail order wheels.

machinist42

Doesn't everyone always need a better bike?

Mr.Toolbox

do you have a picture of your bike?

Vintage Raleigh

You can't get much higher than a Reynolds tubed Peugeot. In steel anyway.

Bicycle Addict

Do you NEED a better bike? Always, a better bike, then say a yellow bike, and then that bike on EBay . . . just because.
It is not a Thug life but a Bike life!
N+1 for life!
A set of better wheels is where you will notice the most change as stated above, and it is not necessarily about great quality, even a set of Araya rims with stainless spokes and some Shimano hubs, the secret is in decent grease and bearings, and the adjustment of your cones, then getting them trued by someone who is able to work with older wheels.

uncle uncle

"It's not about the bike, it's about the drugs. And lying." -Lance

I'd totally wear that t-shirt, you know, if it was one.

Road Fan

Of course you need a better bike!

timsorr

All good answers, it seems like aero bars can make a substantial speed increase, I wasn't sure if a lighter frame would. The peugoet was 501 not 531 tubing if I recall correctly. It was a sweet ride and I would love to have it back, but it provided a tidy profit in a time of need. I cant justify upgrading parts(except seat), I would have to buy a bike with groupset I wanted (seems much cheaper this way).

I see some cheaper 90's road bikes out there (reputable but lower level ~$300), and wonder if they are better than my panasonic. Im sure the aluminum ones would be lighter. I hear about problems with index shifters and wasnt a fan of cheap ones I have used.

Steve Whitlatch 

There is something to be said for a great set of wheels and tires that is for sure. Geometry can add to the sense of speed. I am no faster on any one frame but for some reason my 72 PX 10 just feels so awesome to ride. Most likely the Tubular tires but my Raleigh also has them. So The more relaxed geometry of the older frame and its perfect amount of spring seems to make a big difference to me for ride quality. I guess it depends on what you want? My Raleigh is also 531 Reynolds, rides great, but its 80`s geometry makes it more of a race bike for fast corners and sprints over comfortable fast joy.

So you need to try many to find out what you like best. So yes you need another bike, it may or may not be better, but it is fun.

FlMTNdude

I own an '87 Panasonic. Have done a few upgrades so far along the line besides maintenance (7 speed, cables, housing, tires etc.). The engine does an adequate job of keeping it around 20 mph on the high end. I am planning a wheel upgrade, I suspect better performance with that. She is a little on the heavy side, but I don't mind. And does a good job of taking me to the store on occasion besides long rides. Depending on your needs and goals your bike may suit you fine.

John E

Too bad you sold that Peugeot, unless it didn't fit you. I really liked my 1980 PKN-10, and my lowly 1970 UO-8 is my trusty go-to errand runner, and surprisingly fun to ride, particularly with my upgrades of aluminum rims, SunTour derailleurs and barcons, road quill pedals, and aluminum crankset with 12-speed half-step gearing.

cycleheimer

If something great shows up in your size at an amazingly low price....you know what to do. There are a lot of inexpensive mid-range bikes out there that are excellent riders, but the high-end stuff is typically scarce and expensive. It's a numbers game. There weren't as many of them to start out with. When you see a really super deal on a high-end bike in your size, don't hesitate too much. I am still crying over an ultra high-end touring bike with a full 531 frame set that I missed out on. It was my size, and $50. I snoozed too much. I was trying to "behave" at the time...the wrong time!

OldsCOOL

I agree with this entirely because I have experienced it. Personally, I can feel it when on a less responsive bike. My favorite and everyday rider is the '88 Cannondale Criterium series frame, Vuelta Corsa Lite wheelset (1500gr) and Michelin Krylion Carbon 23's. At 20lbs there are lighter bikes but very few would (arguably) be significantly more responsive.

I love riding the old Colnago with Columbus tubing and tubular wheelset (21.5lbs) and the Trek 760 (20lbs) with full 531c and Mavic tubulars but neither compare to the Cdale.

Bike fit can make a huge difference as well.