Classic & Vintage - Durability Question

Are restored lugged steel bikes as durable as new ones? I've heard that steel does and does not "soften" over the years. Do the brazed joints last for 20,30,40 years or more? I'd like to get a classic bike to ride (not show) and don't have cash for a new lugged steel bike, plus would like more character than the curren offerings. Thanks for your help!

In terms of durability, I would put my 46- and 47-year-old Capos up against any modern frame. I can't say the same for the Peugeot UO-8, having broken a chainstay on my first UO-8. Aluminum and carbon fiber frames, particularly those engineered for weight minimization, will not last as long as a good steel frame.

I did have the braze fail on a dropout on my mid-'80s Raleigh USA Grand Prix. But I don't believe the age had anything to do with it. (The joint looked suspect since I got the bike.) And even though it gave way while I was riding, it happened slowly and not catastrophically -- not only did I not crash, I rode the bike home. (Try that on an aluminum/plastic bike. On second thought, don't.) Furthermore, it was a quick, easy and inexpensive repair.

I ride a variety of other bicycles that are well past the legal drinking age, including a 47-year-old Raleigh, and have had no frame problems.

I will take what you wrote as you are looking at a restored steel bike, a repaint should always be suspect, at least a little bit, find out why the respray.

If you are just worried about structural integrety, look for abuse, but don't worry about things falling apart, well the frame at least.

Do some web research on bikes of the past to find those that were
considered the best in their day. From the info choose a brand and
shop for that. As a great starting point most (if not all) "Bridgestone"
bikes were some of the best ever imported to the U.S. so if you find
one snap it up if in good condition. Other than that do a bit of homework
as you are now...........

a well made steel frame will not deteriorate with age. But definitely look for rust and especially for any kinked tubes, or cracks at or near the dropouts or lugs, which indicate a crash or abuse.

thank you!

most (if not all) "Bridgestone"
bikes were some of the best ever imported to the U.S. .

I used to work in a bike shop back in the mid 70's through early 80's and I'm at a loss to understand the collector interest in Bridgestone stuff. We sold Raleigh and some Motobecane; the high line stuff was really good. The first bike I bought with my shop discount was an unload from a dealers rep, a Panasonic Touring Deluxe with full first gen Dura Ace and it couldn't compete in build quality with the better Raleighs (Competition GS would've cost me an extra 40% on top of what I paid but had far more obvious hand detailing and finish work).The next model up the line, the Panasnic Professional was truly a hand made bike and II wish that the rep had a sample of that in my size instead...but I digress.

At the time Japanese bikes (and cars, and products in general) were just coming into the age of acceptibility by the US market and the general feeling was still that Japanese mass market stuff was pushed out the door as quickly and as profitably as was possible. Bridgestone just was not a highly thought of bicycle manufacturer. Centurion was far more coveted as was Panasonic and even, gasp, Nishiki.

So what gives? Why the interest in Bridgestone? They made one high end bike and it wasn't to the same build quality level as Panasonic, or the Centurion Cinelli bike.

DG1

Consider Puch or Austro-Daimler. My favorite local bike shop has sold many brands of bikes, and Fred tells me he has never had a Steyr-Daimler-Puch come back for frame failure. If you are shopping for a Peugeot, inspect the chainstays VERY carefully. Common failure points on Japanese frames are the bottom bracket and the front of the downtube; the latter is also a common Bianchi fatigue failure point.

Forgot to mention that Fuji was the first Japanese bicycle company of note around the time and were giving my boss fits because of the value they offered mid line. The S10S was stomping the Grand Prix and the higher line stuff was finished very well. The Fuji reputation wasn't the stuff of legend at the time, but it grew into a company that became well respected, especially in sales volume.

DG1