Classic & Vintage - Old School Bikes

OK, I am new to road biking, and right now, I am on a 2004 Giant FCR flat bar that I am realizing is too small for me, so am looking to get a more properly fitted and durable true road bike, albeit for fitness and way in the future some short duathlons and triathlons. Now for my question.....in looking to get a reasonably priced starter bike, I have become intrigued by the "old school" chromoly bikes that are out there, not as much for price, as just the look and as many say, the feel...what is everyone's take on these bikes, and what do I need to watch out for in assessing these bikes? Thanks a lot, and I hope to get some interesting responses.

I like them alot. Are you looking for a particular brand? What is your needs for size and fit?

Actually, the Classic and Vintage guys are the experts. They love talking about old bikes.

You might want to post in Classic & Vintage for the real experts' take on this, but here's what I usually look for:

an absence of rust
straight tubes
tube material decals (Reynolds, Columbus, Tange, Ishiwata, etc.)
forged dropouts

I have an '84 Schwinn LeTour which is sweet on the road. Feels good, handles well, but is a real beetch on hills at 29lbs. Good for training, though. Those hills are suddenly a lot easier when you drop bike weight by 10lbs! :D

+1 on Mariner Fan's comments. Check out C&V.

Happy riding!

Not sure if this is considered "old school" seems like a nice bike
http://cgi.ebay.com/Trek-2300-Carbon-ZX-Series-Road-Bike-w-Ceramic-Mavic-NR_W0QQitemZ160080997377QQihZ006QQcategoryZ98084QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

thanks for all the insight, and I will re-post this in the vintage forum, seems logical, as for what I am looking for, pretty much covers it, no rust, straight, good rims and gearing, and quite honestly, it should be a little eye-catching.....thanks again

As much as I love the look of the old Trek 2300's, I have to say I'm weary of those early carbon models.

That said, a quality steel bike is a fantastic riding bike and many can still be had for very decent prices. You have to know what to look for in one though, as there are also a lot of heavy steel bikes out there that while still provide a good ride, are poorly equipped even when they were new. There have been lots of threads about what to look for in older bikes posted in the C&V section of the forum. Check them out and you'll be well on your way to finding a great older ride.

(btw, if you're near Dallas, Tx, drop me a PM, might have a couple leads for you)

edit: 3mnkys - I've moved your original post over from Road Forum here where it should get better responses. Good luck with the hunt if you choose to go vintage!

You've come to the right place. My brother-in-law uses his "old school" vintage steel Colnago competing in Ironman triathlons and always does well.

There are some very nice ten year old road bikes around with frames made of Reynolds 853 steel that can be bought for a fraction of new carbon fiber or titanium frame sets.

As much as I love the look of the old Trek 2300's, I have to say I'm weary of those early carbon models.

I going to go out on a limb here and assume you meant "wary" instead of "weary" :)

If you are wary of the early 2000 series Trek carbon bikes, you shouldn't be. They are well built, ride VERY well, and can be had for a reasonable amount of money. Just be sure to look over any prospective bike before purchase, as you would any other.

I used to own one, and enjoyed it very much. There are still many on the road around here.

Yeah, that word. ;)

There's a 2300 for sale locally through the bike club, but I've already got one bike I'm trying to sell, and its replacement most likely won't be anything carbon. But back on topic, take a look for a good Japanese steel frame, they can be had for very reasonable prices and a good Tange #1 or #2 frame rides great.

OK< already hot on the trail of a Motobecane Grand Sprint, solid, looks like it just needs some new tires...we shall see...

OK< already hot on the trail of a Motobecane Grand Sprint, solid, looks like it just needs some new tires...we shall see... Motobecane is a very reputable marque, but be sure to read Sheldon Brown's excellent article on French bikes and their nonstandard threads and diameters.

thank you, where would I locate that article?

thank you, where would I locate that article?HERE (http://www.sheldonbrown.com/velos.html). Google is your friend. :D

Also if you plan on doing some racing--check out any half priced book stores in your area for bicycle racing and frame fitting books.I'd do this before buying a bike.Know just what you need.---sam

Because I am slightly over 200lbs, I really prefer the ride of steel alloys (old bikes). They are cheaper, many of them are well made, and you can maintain them pretty easily. Granted, I'm in it for fitness and recreation instead of racing.

I have had success with Schwinns, Nishiki, and Fuji, and Univega. My all-time favorite are Japanese steel frames. If you can get your hands on a decent Miyata you are going to have loads of fun and the ride is so great.

Look for double or triple-butted 80's frames made in Japan on Craigslist.

I have had success with Schwinns, Nishiki, and Fuji, and Univega. My all-time favorite are Japanese steel frames. If you can get your hands on a decent Miyata you are going to have loads of fun and the ride is so great.

Indeed!

Miyatas, gitanes, schwinn super sports and le tours- a varsity is fun to have around but.....*heavy*.

Since I found mine a couple years ago, I've been seeing a LOT of mid 80s KHS road/touring frames out there. (might be making a trade for a 85 sport soon). Those haven't been brought up, but really decent rides.

If you see and old Sekai sprint , grab it. very comfortable rides.