Discussion
back in the 90's I did a fair bit of cycling, I had a specialised bike which was the best I could afford at the time. I sold it about 10 years ago when moving overseas.
four years ago, now back in the uk I bought a cheap bike to ride when the kids were learning - it is the most uncomfortable bike I have ever coma cross - I have adjusted everything but I just cant get comfy - consequently it sits in the garage.
I cant really afford a good bike, at the moment, and I thought the final chance for this old bike would be a new saddle. but when perusing ebay etc I noticed that it is possible to get hold of bikes form the 90's that were pretty high end for less than £100 sometimes. Which sounds like it might be a better option.
pros and cons of an old bike? plus do any brands fair better than others with the passage of time?
some of the things I have seen recently for sale
Trek 8500
spesh rockhopper
spesh stumpjumper
marin pallisade (with the luminous coloured front fork)
four years ago, now back in the uk I bought a cheap bike to ride when the kids were learning - it is the most uncomfortable bike I have ever coma cross - I have adjusted everything but I just cant get comfy - consequently it sits in the garage.
I cant really afford a good bike, at the moment, and I thought the final chance for this old bike would be a new saddle. but when perusing ebay etc I noticed that it is possible to get hold of bikes form the 90's that were pretty high end for less than £100 sometimes. Which sounds like it might be a better option.
pros and cons of an old bike? plus do any brands fair better than others with the passage of time?
some of the things I have seen recently for sale
Trek 8500
spesh rockhopper
spesh stumpjumper
marin pallisade (with the luminous coloured front fork)
You'd be amazed how much bikes have moved on in 20 years.
I have a 2001 Giant full-sus that was north of £1500 when new, I'd say that the spec it came with in terms of brakes, shocks etc is about comparable to a £500 bike these days.
A 90s bike for £100 will probably be Halfords bargain standard
I have a 2001 Giant full-sus that was north of £1500 when new, I'd say that the spec it came with in terms of brakes, shocks etc is about comparable to a £500 bike these days.
A 90s bike for £100 will probably be Halfords bargain standard
Thats a fair comment, I know bikes are relatively cheaper than they were back then, my old specialised cost nearly 2 months wages at the time. for a cro maloy frame and no suspension
but woulldn't an old bike packing a deore XT /XTR transmission still be a decent bit of kit? (gone are the days of proper mountainbiking - too old and fat) compared to a halfords budget effort.
but woulldn't an old bike packing a deore XT /XTR transmission still be a decent bit of kit? (gone are the days of proper mountainbiking - too old and fat) compared to a halfords budget effort.
ChemicalChaos said:
You'd be amazed how much bikes have moved on in 20 years.
I have a 2001 Giant full-sus that was north of £1500 when new, I'd say that the spec it came with in terms of brakes, shocks etc is about comparable to a £500 bike these days.
A 90s bike for £100 will probably be Halfords bargain standard
I've been wondering a bit about this lately in terms of what I'm missing out on by riding a 20 year old road bike. This is what I have:I have a 2001 Giant full-sus that was north of £1500 when new, I'd say that the spec it came with in terms of brakes, shocks etc is about comparable to a £500 bike these days.
A 90s bike for £100 will probably be Halfords bargain standard
Bit of a frankenbike, but it's essentially a 1995 Giant CFR1 with a lugged carbon fibre frame, aluminium fork and 8 speed RX100 groupset (not original) and weighs a little over 9kg. It would have been a pretty spendy bike back in the day, but as I've never ridden a "modern" road bike I have no idea how it compares to what other people ride around on today.
I know I like riding it, and can zip along at a reasonable rate on it, but would something newer be a night and day difference?
I'm in the process of selling my modern road bike as I never ride it, I'm always out on one of my old bikes, three from the Eighties and one from the Seventies.
It's a bit different for MTBs though, especially on the suspension stuff, but buying stuff second hand has never put me off.
It's a bit different for MTBs though, especially on the suspension stuff, but buying stuff second hand has never put me off.
pistonheadforum said:
Perfect excuse to get thee to the local bike shop to test the stock!
Whilst there ask them about the number spokes on that front wheel.
I was in there yesterday buying a Specialized Hotrock for my son. I got as far as riding a Roubaix around inside the shop before my wife gave me "The Look" and informed me that this would not be a happening thing. Any actual purchase will have to be a couple of years down the track Whilst there ask them about the number spokes on that front wheel.
Yes, the front wheel is an odd one. It's literally a 32 hole hub and a 32 hole rim with every second hole missed out so there's only 16 spokes. No idea why whoever built the wheel did it, but oddly enough it works fine - it's stayed absolutely true and I've had no issues with it whatsoever. The rims (Rigida DP18) are known for being very strong, which I suspect helps a lot.
I prefer classic steel frame bikes for, in my opinion, their elegance and lack of shouty graphics. I picked up a 1984 Raleigh Team Professional, 531c tubing, Campagnolo gear, a beautiful bike that is a pleasure to get on and ride, for just over 200 quid on ebay - not mint, but only a few marks. Another of my road bikes is a 1979 Raleigh, 531 main tubes only, so not super-light. Built it all up myself with classic components, and has no trouble keeping up with other road cyclists cruising along, happily maintains 30km/h on flat roads. Again, riding it feels special to me.
Is it faster with me on it compared to a brand new latest tech bike? I very much doubt it (I would bet money), but I am not cycling competitively, only for my own pleasure, so I don't care - I don't like cycling slowly on a road bike, tho'. I can analogise it to classic cars - I have a greater pleasure driving them compared to modern cars, and I get the same feeling jumping on my older bikes. The fact they cost far less is a great bonus, but while I don't have the draw to new technology as others do, I appreciate its place.
My point is if, like me, you derive greater pleasure on older road bikes, I don't see any reason to force upgrade, or rule out older bikes outside of competition. There are some fantastic buys out there as well.
Footnote:
As a curiosity after writing this, I just looked up average speeds for Liege-Bastogne-Liege race - http://knoema.com/oplnylc/world-cycling-race-datab... - and it shows the mid 1980s speeds around 36-38km/h, and then most recently (2000s) in the 39-41km/h range - obviously weather has an impact on individual years, but I use this as an indicator. If this difference were ascribed to bike tech alone, for competition 3km/h is significant, but not for me independently, or even with a group.
Is it faster with me on it compared to a brand new latest tech bike? I very much doubt it (I would bet money), but I am not cycling competitively, only for my own pleasure, so I don't care - I don't like cycling slowly on a road bike, tho'. I can analogise it to classic cars - I have a greater pleasure driving them compared to modern cars, and I get the same feeling jumping on my older bikes. The fact they cost far less is a great bonus, but while I don't have the draw to new technology as others do, I appreciate its place.
My point is if, like me, you derive greater pleasure on older road bikes, I don't see any reason to force upgrade, or rule out older bikes outside of competition. There are some fantastic buys out there as well.
Footnote:
As a curiosity after writing this, I just looked up average speeds for Liege-Bastogne-Liege race - http://knoema.com/oplnylc/world-cycling-race-datab... - and it shows the mid 1980s speeds around 36-38km/h, and then most recently (2000s) in the 39-41km/h range - obviously weather has an impact on individual years, but I use this as an indicator. If this difference were ascribed to bike tech alone, for competition 3km/h is significant, but not for me independently, or even with a group.
Edited by toyracer on Monday 18th May 09:54
toyracer said:
I prefer classic steel frame bikes for, in my opinion, their elegance and lack of shouty graphics. I picked up a 1984 Raleigh Team Professional, 531c tubing, Campagnolo gear, a beautiful bike that is a pleasure to get on and ride, for just over 200 quid on ebay - not mint, but only a few marks. Another of my road bikes is a 1979 Raleigh, 531 main tubes only, so not super-light. Built it all up myself with classic components, and has no trouble keeping up with other road cyclists cruising along, happily maintains 30km/h on flat roads. Again, riding it feels special to me.
Is it faster with me on it compared to a brand new latest tech bike? I very much doubt it (I would bet money), but I am not cycling competitively, only for my own pleasure, so I don't care - I don't like cycling slowly on a road bike, tho'. I can analogise it to classic cars - I have a greater pleasure driving them compared to modern cars, and I get the same feeling jumping on my older bikes. The fact they cost far less is a great bonus, but while I don't have the draw to new technology as others do, I appreciate its place.
My point is if, like me, you derive greater pleasure on older road bikes, I don't see any reason to force upgrade, or rule out older bikes outside of competition. There are some fantastic buys out there as well.
Footnote:
As a curiosity after writing this, I just looked up average speeds for Liege-Bastogne-Liege race - http://knoema.com/oplnylc/world-cycling-race-datab... - and it shows the mid 1980s speeds around 36-38km/h, and then most recently (2000s) in the 39-41km/h range - obviously weather has an impact on individual years, but I use this as an indicator. If this difference were ascribed to bike tech alone, for competition 3km/h is significant, but not for me independently, or even with a group.
I agree entirely. I have several nice race bikes from 1984-2010, the latter being my own ex-racer. The old steel bike is my favorite. The ride quality is miles ahead of the carbon bikes, and the components give little away to their modern counterparts outside of weight, and less weight hits a point of diminishing returns even in a race context.Is it faster with me on it compared to a brand new latest tech bike? I very much doubt it (I would bet money), but I am not cycling competitively, only for my own pleasure, so I don't care - I don't like cycling slowly on a road bike, tho'. I can analogise it to classic cars - I have a greater pleasure driving them compared to modern cars, and I get the same feeling jumping on my older bikes. The fact they cost far less is a great bonus, but while I don't have the draw to new technology as others do, I appreciate its place.
My point is if, like me, you derive greater pleasure on older road bikes, I don't see any reason to force upgrade, or rule out older bikes outside of competition. There are some fantastic buys out there as well.
Footnote:
As a curiosity after writing this, I just looked up average speeds for Liege-Bastogne-Liege race - http://knoema.com/oplnylc/world-cycling-race-datab... - and it shows the mid 1980s speeds around 36-38km/h, and then most recently (2000s) in the 39-41km/h range - obviously weather has an impact on individual years, but I use this as an indicator. If this difference were ascribed to bike tech alone, for competition 3km/h is significant, but not for me independently, or even with a group.
Edited by toyracer on Monday 18th May 09:54
The cycling industry has done well to maximize profits out of minimal tech. advances over the years. Fundamentally, there is little that separates a modern bike with one that is 30 years old. And regarding the avg. speeds in the big races, don't forget the role of top-shelf doping programs.
badboyburt said:
Picked up this Coventry eagle last weekend for the grand price of £14.50.
Tyres still original and work fine, mud guards are a bit rusty but all in its a decent ride, all gears work well just need to fit a new rear brake cable.
That's a big old frame! At least it looks it.Tyres still original and work fine, mud guards are a bit rusty but all in its a decent ride, all gears work well just need to fit a new rear brake cable.
You really ought to replace the tyres, no matter how serviceable they look. Grab something with an amber (or tan) sidewall for a truly 'period' look. Then fit new brake cables and pads, bar tape, and maybe replace those 'orrible brake levers with something 'New Old Stock', with hoods. Strip all the bearings - headset, bottom bracket and both hubs, and re-grease. Check wheels are true, tweak spoke tension if needed, then maybe ditch the mudguards (are they even original items?) and the rack. Everything else is covered by a wash and a tube of Autosol metal polish. Sorted for another 30 years then!
yellowjack said:
badboyburt said:
Picked up this Coventry eagle last weekend for the grand price of £14.50.
Tyres still original and work fine, mud guards are a bit rusty but all in its a decent ride, all gears work well just need to fit a new rear brake cable.
That's a big old frame! At least it looks it.Tyres still original and work fine, mud guards are a bit rusty but all in its a decent ride, all gears work well just need to fit a new rear brake cable.
You really ought to replace the tyres, no matter how serviceable they look. Grab something with an amber (or tan) sidewall for a truly 'period' look. Then fit new brake cables and pads, bar tape, and maybe replace those 'orrible brake levers with something 'New Old Stock', with hoods. Strip all the bearings - headset, bottom bracket and both hubs, and re-grease. Check wheels are true, tweak spoke tension if needed, then maybe ditch the mudguards (are they even original items?) and the rack. Everything else is covered by a wash and a tube of Autosol metal polish. Sorted for another 30 years then!
You need to have a look on retrobike.co.uk
Lots of lovely old MTBs on there - my problem is that I'm always overly optimistic about the amount of time I have to renovate them - stripping down and regreasing is one thing; getting the frame resprayed with new decals and hunting out all the correct period parts is too time consuming and I end up giving up. I've got an old Marin Pine Mountain in pieces at the moment which are going on retrobike when I get around to it - orders from the wife to clear out the shed before I'm allowed to buy anything else.
Lots of lovely old MTBs on there - my problem is that I'm always overly optimistic about the amount of time I have to renovate them - stripping down and regreasing is one thing; getting the frame resprayed with new decals and hunting out all the correct period parts is too time consuming and I end up giving up. I've got an old Marin Pine Mountain in pieces at the moment which are going on retrobike when I get around to it - orders from the wife to clear out the shed before I'm allowed to buy anything else.
Zigster said:
You need to have a look on retrobike.co.uk
Lots of lovely old MTBs on there - my problem is that I'm always overly optimistic about the amount of time I have to renovate them - stripping down and regreasing is one thing; getting the frame resprayed with new decals and hunting out all the correct period parts is too time consuming and I end up giving up. I've got an old Marin Pine Mountain in pieces at the moment which are going on retrobike when I get around to it - orders from the wife to clear out the shed before I'm allowed to buy anything else.
I still ride my old Fat Chance Yo Eddy. It is in need of some tlc but is still lovely to ride, even if duties are more often towing the sprog around than riding trails. I don't ride enough to justify a new bike anyway.Lots of lovely old MTBs on there - my problem is that I'm always overly optimistic about the amount of time I have to renovate them - stripping down and regreasing is one thing; getting the frame resprayed with new decals and hunting out all the correct period parts is too time consuming and I end up giving up. I've got an old Marin Pine Mountain in pieces at the moment which are going on retrobike when I get around to it - orders from the wife to clear out the shed before I'm allowed to buy anything else.
We've just popped this on ebay to clear space in the garage. My g/f has had it for the past 10 years, prior to that it was her brothers since the early 90's (presumably from new). Its a Raleigh Amazon, with the slightly oval "biopace" crank for INCREASED POWAR!!! Also the lovely paintjob. To be honest, we'll be happy with the 99p listing fee, as it saves us taking it to the dump and would be nice if someone wanted to get it fully operational again.
Personally, i had a Raleigh Lizard in the early 90's. Still see them about occasionally.
Personally, i had a Raleigh Lizard in the early 90's. Still see them about occasionally.
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