Any "modern retro" frames currently made that stand out?
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Any "modern retro" frames currently made that stand out?
I was looking around at some of the classic bike brands' current collections, and most of them offer at least one retro looking lugged steel frame. There is the Colnago Master X-Light and Arabesque, Wilier Superleggera, De Rosa Nouvo Classico, Bottecchia Leggendaria, Guerciotti Record etc etc. Do any of these stand out quality-wise or is the workmanship more or less on the same level? Doesn't have to be any of the ones mentioned, there are of course a bunch of others as well (most seem to be Italian though).
Likes For th0m:
#3
Edumacator
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Goose Creek, SC
Posts: 7,374
Bikes: '87 Crestdale, '87 Basso Gap, '92 Rossin Performance EL-OS, 1990 VanTuyl, 1980s Losa, 1985 Trek 670, 1982 AD SLE, 1987 PX10, etc...
Mentioned: 55 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2374 Post(s)
Liked 2,895 Times
in
1,843 Posts
I was just on the Faggin site...super impressive.
__________________
1987 Crest Cannondale, 1987 Basso Gap, 1992 Rossin Performance EL, 1990ish Van Tuyl, 1985 Trek 670, 1982 AD SLE, 2003 Pinarello Surprise, 1990ish MBK Atlantique, 1987 Peugeot Competition, 1987 Nishiki Tri-A, 1981 Faggin, 1996 Cannondale M500, 1984 Mercian, 1982 AD SuperLeicht, 1985 Massi (model unknown), 1988 Daccordi Griffe , 1989 Fauxsin MTB, 1981 Ciocc Mockba, 1992 Bianchi Giro, 1977 Colnago Super
1987 Crest Cannondale, 1987 Basso Gap, 1992 Rossin Performance EL, 1990ish Van Tuyl, 1985 Trek 670, 1982 AD SLE, 2003 Pinarello Surprise, 1990ish MBK Atlantique, 1987 Peugeot Competition, 1987 Nishiki Tri-A, 1981 Faggin, 1996 Cannondale M500, 1984 Mercian, 1982 AD SuperLeicht, 1985 Massi (model unknown), 1988 Daccordi Griffe , 1989 Fauxsin MTB, 1981 Ciocc Mockba, 1992 Bianchi Giro, 1977 Colnago Super
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Ottawa, Canada
Posts: 774
Bikes: Raleigh Classic 15, 84; Miyata 912, 85; Miyata Ridge Runner SE, 85; Miyata 610, 86; Miyata 100M, 86; Miyata Valley Runner, 88; Miyata Triple Cross, 89; GT Karakoram, 90; Miyata Elevation 300, 91; Marinoni Touring, 95; Long Haul Trucker, 2013
Mentioned: 9 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 157 Post(s)
Liked 131 Times
in
79 Posts
If I was buying modern retro road, I'd start by looking at the Marinoni SL, or, for utility use, their Turismo.
#5
Edumacator
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Goose Creek, SC
Posts: 7,374
Bikes: '87 Crestdale, '87 Basso Gap, '92 Rossin Performance EL-OS, 1990 VanTuyl, 1980s Losa, 1985 Trek 670, 1982 AD SLE, 1987 PX10, etc...
Mentioned: 55 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2374 Post(s)
Liked 2,895 Times
in
1,843 Posts
Also Battaglin
Impressive stuff...
Not sure if Pelizzoli of Ciocc fame is still making stuff, but someone on the forum had one made by him.
Not sure if Pelizzoli of Ciocc fame is still making stuff, but someone on the forum had one made by him.
__________________
1987 Crest Cannondale, 1987 Basso Gap, 1992 Rossin Performance EL, 1990ish Van Tuyl, 1985 Trek 670, 1982 AD SLE, 2003 Pinarello Surprise, 1990ish MBK Atlantique, 1987 Peugeot Competition, 1987 Nishiki Tri-A, 1981 Faggin, 1996 Cannondale M500, 1984 Mercian, 1982 AD SuperLeicht, 1985 Massi (model unknown), 1988 Daccordi Griffe , 1989 Fauxsin MTB, 1981 Ciocc Mockba, 1992 Bianchi Giro, 1977 Colnago Super
1987 Crest Cannondale, 1987 Basso Gap, 1992 Rossin Performance EL, 1990ish Van Tuyl, 1985 Trek 670, 1982 AD SLE, 2003 Pinarello Surprise, 1990ish MBK Atlantique, 1987 Peugeot Competition, 1987 Nishiki Tri-A, 1981 Faggin, 1996 Cannondale M500, 1984 Mercian, 1982 AD SuperLeicht, 1985 Massi (model unknown), 1988 Daccordi Griffe , 1989 Fauxsin MTB, 1981 Ciocc Mockba, 1992 Bianchi Giro, 1977 Colnago Super
Likes For jdawginsc:
#6
Senior Member
Thread Starter
#7
Senior Member
Thread Starter
He/they do. I was in contact with them not that long ago when I was contemplating a repaint of my Colnago. They are not super expensive when it comes to frame restorations and apparently very skilled.
#8
So it goes.
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: W. Tennessee
Posts: 1,258
Bikes: A few. Quite a few.
Mentioned: 24 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 432 Post(s)
Liked 628 Times
in
258 Posts
I acquired a Leggendaria frame late last year as a birthday present to myself, got a good price on it. Made in Italy, workmanship is quite good. The ride is also nice although I crashed just over a mile into its shakedown ride, slid the rear wheel out on an expansion joint while crossing a bridge on a walk/bike trail. Bike was unscratched but I got banged up pretty good. Not a great start.
Edit - should prob. include a pic as built up...
Edit - should prob. include a pic as built up...
Last edited by PilotFishBob; 06-26-21 at 09:44 AM.
Likes For PilotFishBob:
#9
Edumacator
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Goose Creek, SC
Posts: 7,374
Bikes: '87 Crestdale, '87 Basso Gap, '92 Rossin Performance EL-OS, 1990 VanTuyl, 1980s Losa, 1985 Trek 670, 1982 AD SLE, 1987 PX10, etc...
Mentioned: 55 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2374 Post(s)
Liked 2,895 Times
in
1,843 Posts
th0m
Here are some of the fun ones I found...
Retro-modern steel
Wowzers...
I just liked the monkey guy!
Might be a wish-list item for me...
Classic
Here are some of the fun ones I found...
Retro-modern steel
Wowzers...
I just liked the monkey guy!
Might be a wish-list item for me...
Classic
__________________
1987 Crest Cannondale, 1987 Basso Gap, 1992 Rossin Performance EL, 1990ish Van Tuyl, 1985 Trek 670, 1982 AD SLE, 2003 Pinarello Surprise, 1990ish MBK Atlantique, 1987 Peugeot Competition, 1987 Nishiki Tri-A, 1981 Faggin, 1996 Cannondale M500, 1984 Mercian, 1982 AD SuperLeicht, 1985 Massi (model unknown), 1988 Daccordi Griffe , 1989 Fauxsin MTB, 1981 Ciocc Mockba, 1992 Bianchi Giro, 1977 Colnago Super
1987 Crest Cannondale, 1987 Basso Gap, 1992 Rossin Performance EL, 1990ish Van Tuyl, 1985 Trek 670, 1982 AD SLE, 2003 Pinarello Surprise, 1990ish MBK Atlantique, 1987 Peugeot Competition, 1987 Nishiki Tri-A, 1981 Faggin, 1996 Cannondale M500, 1984 Mercian, 1982 AD SuperLeicht, 1985 Massi (model unknown), 1988 Daccordi Griffe , 1989 Fauxsin MTB, 1981 Ciocc Mockba, 1992 Bianchi Giro, 1977 Colnago Super
Likes For jdawginsc:
#10
Full Member
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Weston-super-Mare, Somerset, UK
Posts: 433
Bikes: Gitane Course, Paris Sport, Peugeot AO8, Peugeot Bretagne, Peugeot Premiere 85, Peugeot Premiere 86, Peugeot ANC Halfords Team Replica, Peugeot Festina Team Replica, Motobecane Grand Sport, Motobecane Super 15, Raleigh Pro Race, Raleigh Stratos, BSA
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 117 Post(s)
Liked 427 Times
in
90 Posts
Not a frame, but a complete bike from Temple Cycles in Bristol: -
https://www.templecycles.co.uk/produ...29454496530518
I've seen a couple on local audaxes, and they do look very good.
https://www.templecycles.co.uk/produ...29454496530518
I've seen a couple on local audaxes, and they do look very good.
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Hotel CA / DFW
Posts: 1,713
Bikes: 83 Colnago Super, 87 50th Daccordi, 79 & 87 Guerciotti's, 90s DB/GT Mtn Bikes, 90s Colnago Master and Titanio, 96 Serotta Colorado TG, 95/05 Colnago C40/C50, 06 DbyLS TI, 08 Lemond Filmore FG SS, 12 Cervelo R3, 20/15 Surly Stragler & Steamroller
Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 596 Post(s)
Liked 764 Times
in
489 Posts
I was looking around at some of the classic bike brands' current collections, and most of them offer at least one retro looking lugged steel frame. There is the Colnago Master X-Light and Arabesque, Wilier Superleggera, De Rosa Nouvo Classico, Bottecchia Leggendaria, Guerciotti Record etc etc. Do any of these stand out quality-wise or is the workmanship more or less on the same level? Doesn't have to be any of the ones mentioned, there are of course a bunch of others as well (most seem to be Italian though).
What would help is links, of course more pix, and really a table listing maker, tube specs, gauge, butting, weight, welded/lugged, price, builder, etc ...
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 20,315
Mentioned: 129 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3447 Post(s)
Liked 2,786 Times
in
1,967 Posts
Likes For repechage:
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Hotel CA / DFW
Posts: 1,713
Bikes: 83 Colnago Super, 87 50th Daccordi, 79 & 87 Guerciotti's, 90s DB/GT Mtn Bikes, 90s Colnago Master and Titanio, 96 Serotta Colorado TG, 95/05 Colnago C40/C50, 06 DbyLS TI, 08 Lemond Filmore FG SS, 12 Cervelo R3, 20/15 Surly Stragler & Steamroller
Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 596 Post(s)
Liked 764 Times
in
489 Posts
Likes For joesch:
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 20,315
Mentioned: 129 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3447 Post(s)
Liked 2,786 Times
in
1,967 Posts
There are almost infinite variables.
Some details may be proprietary.
one could add Mercian in the UK
reasonable pricing, many many options.
just don’t ask them to make a 650b wheeled frame- outside of their comfort zone, they really goofed one up for a USA client.
the offered correction/ compensation was in my view, pathetic.
Some details may be proprietary.
one could add Mercian in the UK
reasonable pricing, many many options.
just don’t ask them to make a 650b wheeled frame- outside of their comfort zone, they really goofed one up for a USA client.
the offered correction/ compensation was in my view, pathetic.
#15
Senior Member
Thread Starter
I was mostly wondering if anyone has had any first hand experience with any of these or similar frames and could make a comparison of overall build quality. Most of them use basic SL tubing anyway with some exceptions, like the Faggin Doge mentioned. I realise a high end custom builder like Saffron, Feather etc could build me something more or less flawless to whatever specs I want, but I was curious about the offerings from the more "classic" brands and if any of them stand out in terms of the level of craftsmanship compared to the others. Not something you can really tell from looking at the makers' own catalogue photos.
#16
Senior Member
Thread Starter
There are almost infinite variables.
Some details may be proprietary.
one could add Mercian in the UK
reasonable pricing, many many options.
just don’t ask them to make a 650b wheeled frame- outside of their comfort zone, they really goofed one up for a USA client.
the offered correction/ compensation was in my view, pathetic.
Some details may be proprietary.
one could add Mercian in the UK
reasonable pricing, many many options.
just don’t ask them to make a 650b wheeled frame- outside of their comfort zone, they really goofed one up for a USA client.
the offered correction/ compensation was in my view, pathetic.
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 20,315
Mentioned: 129 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3447 Post(s)
Liked 2,786 Times
in
1,967 Posts
I've been eyeing Mercian frames for years, especially the Superlight, which l really like. I have also heard exactly what you say, that their ability to build to customer specified tire clearences or other "non-traditional" specs etc is a bit limited, but that's not an issue for me as I want a basic traditional road bike.
#18
small ring
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: PNW
Posts: 1,030
Mentioned: 24 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 437 Post(s)
Liked 925 Times
in
370 Posts
I was mostly wondering if anyone has had any first hand experience with any of these or similar frames and could make a comparison of overall build quality. Most of them use basic SL tubing anyway with some exceptions, like the Faggin Doge mentioned. I realise a high end custom builder like Saffron, Feather etc could build me something more or less flawless to whatever specs I want, but I was curious about the offerings from the more "classic" brands and if any of them stand out in terms of the level of craftsmanship compared to the others. Not something you can really tell from looking at the makers' own catalogue photos.
__________________
72 Bob Jackson -- 74 Motobecane Grand Jubile -- 74 Sekine SHS 271 -- 80 Nishiki International
85 Shogun 800 -- 86 Tommasini Super Prestige -- 92 Specialized Rockhopper -- 17 Colnago Arabesque
72 Bob Jackson -- 74 Motobecane Grand Jubile -- 74 Sekine SHS 271 -- 80 Nishiki International
85 Shogun 800 -- 86 Tommasini Super Prestige -- 92 Specialized Rockhopper -- 17 Colnago Arabesque
Likes For droppedandlost:
#20
Master Parts Rearranger
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Portlandia's Kuiper Belt, OR
Posts: 4,674
Bikes: 1982 Trek 720 - 1985 Trek 620 - 1984 Trek 620 - 1980 Trek 510 - Other luminaries past and present
Mentioned: 221 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1550 Post(s)
Liked 1,998 Times
in
981 Posts
What about vintage bikes that have been modified recently (to work with modern componentry) and then refinished and decaled? "Modern Retro" via the back door, eh?
More seriously, those Battaglins are gorgeous.
More seriously, those Battaglins are gorgeous.
Likes For RiddleOfSteel:
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: PDX
Posts: 14,064
Bikes: Merz x 5 + Specialized Merz Allez x 2, Strawberry/Newlands/DiNucci/Ti x3, Gordon, Fuso/Moulton x2, Bornstein, Paisley,1958-74 Paramounts x3, 3rensho, 74 Moto TC, 73-78 Raleigh Pro's x5, Marinoni x2, 1960 Cinelli SC, 1980 Bianchi SC, PX-10 X 2
Mentioned: 267 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4482 Post(s)
Liked 6,256 Times
in
3,615 Posts
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Minas Ithil
Posts: 9,337
Mentioned: 66 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2432 Post(s)
Liked 638 Times
in
395 Posts
Just get the Colnago Master X-Light. I rode one and with those straight forks it handles like a Ducati Panigale. It whispers "race me" in your ear.
Likes For Lazyass:
#23
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Eugene, Oregon, USA
Posts: 27,600
Mentioned: 217 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18302 Post(s)
Liked 4,470 Times
in
3,326 Posts
This was from one of the last Velocirque events in Portland, Speedvagen Classic OG
Here are some good pictures of it:
https://theradavist.com/2017/05/a-cl...er-components/
And the company:
https://www.speedvagen.com/ready-made-discog
https://www.speedvagen.com/the-vanilla-classic
Here are some good pictures of it:
https://theradavist.com/2017/05/a-cl...er-components/
And the company:
https://www.speedvagen.com/ready-made-discog
https://www.speedvagen.com/the-vanilla-classic
Likes For CliffordK:
#24
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Eugene, Oregon, USA
Posts: 27,600
Mentioned: 217 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18302 Post(s)
Liked 4,470 Times
in
3,326 Posts
#25
verktyg
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: SF Bay Area
Posts: 4,035
Bikes: Current favorites: 1988 Peugeot Birraritz, 1984 Gitane Super Corsa, 1980s DeRosa, 1981 Bianchi Campione Del Mondo, 1992 Paramount OS, 1988 Colnago Technos, 1985 RalieghUSA SBDU Team Pro
Mentioned: 207 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1036 Post(s)
Liked 1,235 Times
in
652 Posts
What about a custom frame from one of the top US builders? Most of their frames are going to be better built and aligned out of the gate than many of the top Italian frames!
I cut apart enough premium Italian frames to discover way back when that pretty paint can hide a multitude of sins!
Most US builders use frame and fork jigs somethings that were unheard of in most European frame shops!
I have or have had maybe 20+ top Italian frames. One of my grail frames was a De Rosa. A few years back I picked up an early 80's frame...
Two glaring shortcomings, I had to face almost .5mm off of both sides of the BB shell and the top of the seat lug was ovalized from the factory! I had to round it out, ream and hone it to get a 27.2mm seatpost to properly fit.
This has strayed away from th0m original question but something to consider...
I'll stop now, I've gored enough oxen....
verktyg
I cut apart enough premium Italian frames to discover way back when that pretty paint can hide a multitude of sins!
Most US builders use frame and fork jigs somethings that were unheard of in most European frame shops!
I have or have had maybe 20+ top Italian frames. One of my grail frames was a De Rosa. A few years back I picked up an early 80's frame...
Two glaring shortcomings, I had to face almost .5mm off of both sides of the BB shell and the top of the seat lug was ovalized from the factory! I had to round it out, ream and hone it to get a 27.2mm seatpost to properly fit.
This has strayed away from th0m original question but something to consider...
I'll stop now, I've gored enough oxen....
verktyg
__________________
Don't believe everything you think! History is written by those who weren't there....
Chas. ;-)
Don't believe everything you think! History is written by those who weren't there....
Chas. ;-)