Fifty Plus (50+) - 55: Vintage or Modern?

In the mid 80's, I was a pretty avid cyclist - averaging about 125 miles per week - I invested in a nice Colnago frame with Campy SR / NR - my pride and joy - which I learned to maintain and overhaul. Then real life kicked in and out went the cycling hobby - the bike sat in a back corner of the garage, until I sold it to a buddy last year for $1600.

Well, health issure have appeared - high BP and cholesterol - and since January, I've been on a pretty rigid worlout routine, which includes weight training and cardio. The cardio has evolved from elliptical to treadmill to running in the park - my knees and hips are beginning to kill me - and now that the weather's turing here in Chicago, I'm getting the bug to ride. And buy a new bike, of course!

As luck would have it, I have an opportunity to buy my old bike back from my buddy. For both sentimental and practical reasons (the ability to perform maintenance), I'm strongly considering it, but I'm wondering if I'm not nuts to consider new technology (carbon, modern components, etc.). I plan on riding 60 to 80 miles per week - at a pace fast enough to elevate my heart rate - on relatively flat, pretty decent roads.

So, if you had $1600 or so burning a hole in your pocket, what would you do - buy back the old steed, or invest in something new? I'm not opposed to buying used. Thanks in advance for your replies.

Many folks ride older equipment and of course the workout is just as good. Not to mention the sentimental value of it being your old machine. Heck, I still have my old Cannondale which I bought in 1983 and I ride it occasionally. That being said however, the new technology is definitely an improvement and for me, being a techie the new stuff is very satisfying. If you start riding with others you will really appreciate brifters over downtube shifters. I would think that having new stuff would be a stronger motivator to get out and ride.

As they say about free advice: it's worth every cent.

It's the riding that will lower your cholesterol and blood pressure, not the age of the bike. Ride the one you want--or better yet, buy the old classic and if you still desire a CF model, buy that too.:rolleyes:

There are some really great bikes out there for about $1500.

What size wheels did the old mount have..........if 27 then tire selection is somewhat limited.
Better brakes on modern bikes (certainly easier to replace pads and adjust)

I'd get into test ride mode if I were you.

Retro bikes will just turn you into a grouch.

I recently started to ride my 1979 Centurion, again. That bike and I will never part. Anyway, it was a very good bike when I bought it, it's a good bike for a 29 year old bike. But it does have it's shortcomings compared to today's technologies. It's heavy compared to todays bikes, it only has a 5 speed freewheel, it has downtube friction shifters. Although it has been maintained and upgraded some, it would be much better with at least an 8 speed, and brifters, and dual pivot brakes, and a carbon fork( If I could find one that would fit), and 700c wheels(it has 27in.), etc.
So if it was my money, I'd go for a new bike.

Welcome, Melliman.

I too suggest you do what would likely keep you riding over the long run, even as the rest of life keeps getting in the way.

Did you enjoy riding the Colnago Campy? If so, you might want to jump on the buy back and avoid the potential gotcha of finding a great new bike that turns out to be not quite right.

Melliman, I think this is a very tough call, but in some ways you're in the catbird seat. You have a lot of very good options. The ol' reliable will give you many hours of pleasure with an old friend, and a new bike could be a bit like a new romance.

I'm kind of lucky in that I still have the first real road bike I bought in 1983. I keep it relatively "period-correct" and ride it often. It's sort of like driving a nice Saab. But I also bought a modern road bike a few years ago, which is more like driving a sports car. The only problem is I could use a new motor for both of them.

One thought comes to mind--how are the wheels on the older bike? A nice set of wheels could add to the cost if they need to be rebuilt or replaced.

... Retro bikes will just turn you into a grouch.

Hey, I resemble that remark. :) I offer my personal counterpoint herewith:

I took up transportation and recreational cycling during high school, but got really serious about it as a car free UCLA undergrad. I have never taken a long hiatus, but have stayed with and loved the sport continuously through four decades. I have always ridden steel-framed bikes with non-indexed shifting and old school toeclips with straps, and these machines still feel right and look right to me today. I am not racing material now, but I never was, even in my physical prime when I completed a 12:18 double century on an early Nishiki Competition. I ride with a club on Saturday mornings and have never felt that my 10kg Bianchi, or even my 11kg Capo, is significantly holding me back.

My sole objections to older bikes are poor brakes and limited gear selection. New cable housings and salmon KoolStop pads solve the first problem, and 6- or 7-speed freewheels and/or triple chainrings solve the second.

I have a vintage steel bike and a modern carbon bike. Right off the bat I will tell you I ride the carbon bike a lot more than the steel one. Why? Because I don't give a crap about it. I rode it all winter thru the slush and salt and never once felt bad about it. Frankly, its disposable by design anyway. There's no way that its still going to be ridable in 30 years with the "integrated headset" (another way to spell designed for obsolesence) and the glued in aluminum BB shell.

As far as performance goes, I upgraded the steel bike to 9 speed triple back when campy first came out with it (97?). I love the 9 speed setup. The 9 speed triple is a great combo of range while still having close gears for hammerfests along with tremendous durability. The carbon bike has a 10 speed compact drivetrain. Right off the bat I will tell you I hate the 10 speed chains. They don't last and every vendor has the own special fussy way of joining the chain. I got 1200 miles out of my first 10 speed chain and I've never worn out a 9 speed chain in less than 3x that. I hated the compact at first, got used to it after a while, and now that my fitness has improved I hate it again.

Weight? The carbon bike weighed 18.5lb according to the mfgrs web site. The steel bike weighs 21lb according to my bathroom scale. How many of you aren't carrying 2.5lb of extra weight somewhere else?

Actual frame performance? Both ride well. The carbon bike is probably a little more comfortable, but its not like a night and day difference. The main difference is the BB on the carbon bike is really stiff and I do like that. BB flex and rust were the only real gripes I ever had with the steel frame and the carbon one does solve both of those problems.

In the end you need to do what makes you happy. I wanted to see what all the fuss was about with modern bikes, so I bought one. I guess I'm happy I did. It wasn't all that much money and I really like having something I don't have to worry about. I still have my garage queen to ride on sunny days when its not too hot (so I don't sweat all over it, which is what did in the first paint job).

BTW the OP's 80's colnago uses 700c wheels and short reach brakes. I'm not sure colnago ever made bikes with 27" wheels. In my lifetime they always came with sewups (700c).

If you have grown accustomed to the looks of a steel frame Colnago your asthetic senses are not going to allow you to stomach the appearance of a modern bicycle, carbon fiber, aluminum, titanium, whatever. It's like the difference between a 1967 Alfa Spider and a modern BMW. Young people may be able to lust after a modern BMW but if you're old enough you just want to throw up.

The worst shortcoming the Colnago will have is a lack of low gears. If you live somewhere relatively flat that's not a problem but if not you can replace the front chainwheel with a triple (the front derailleur can handle it), and you'll need to replace the rear derailleur with something that will take up more chain (longer cage).

New brake pads, cables and housing should bring braking up to meet your needs.

Go new. Maybe not carbon, but at least something with all new modern components. You'll be surprised how nice brifters are. Brakes have come a long way too. You'll like having more gears. You may want to look at a compact double. I measure my cycling life in going from 52-42 to 52-39 to 50-34 and have been happier every lowered gear. I honestly don't know how I lived through hills on my 52-42 13-24 set in my younger days.

Plus, 1600 for an old bike is nuts if you're actually going to ride it, and not just collect it.

N+1 that's the formula you have to remember... N+1...

train safe

Last year I bought my first new mountain bike in 20 years. This year I bought my first new road bike (high end carbon fibre) in 20 years. They are an absolute joy to ride. Whenever I finish a ride I can't wait to get out on the bike again. I love the new technology.

You know what the old bike rides like.

So I would make a quick trip to a couple of LBSs and ride what they offer for $1500-$2000. Then decide which one gives you the most joy & go with it.

Very tough call. I can't really advise you as I can't imagine how anyone could ever sell a mid 80's Colnago with Campy components. :eek:

BTW, not everyone agrees with the majority opinion that brifters are a big improvement.

Very tough call. I can't really advise you as I can't imagine how anyone could ever sell a mid 80's Colnago with Campy components. :eek:

BTW, not everyone agrees with the majority opinion that brifters are a big improvement.

+1

I would offer that a mid 80s Colnago running Campy has value just because it exists. There have been many performance improvements (I'll concede that brifters are not universally seen this way), but what the Colnago has is not about "modern day performance." For your riding purposes, the Colnago would work just fine. Yet, there is nothing wrong with buying new if you want the performance advantages. One thing is for sure... you ride the Colnago and you'll have different conversations when you run into and chat with other riders.

So, if you had $1600 or so burning a hole in your pocket, what would you do - buy back the old steed, or invest in something new? I'm not opposed to buying used. Thanks in advance for your replies.

That's really a question that only you can answer.

The nice thing about buying a whole new bike is that every part is brand new, every part has been designed to work with all of the other parts, and you get a new bike warranty.

The nice thing about buying a pre-ridden bike or a frame and a box of bike stuff is that you get the opportunity to put together the bike that you think will best serve your purpose. It might take a couple of tries to get there, but the process is part of the fun.

The logical side of my mind says buying a brand new bike is smart. My artistic side says to follow your heart.

So, if you had $1600 or so burning a hole in your pocket, what would you do - buy back the old steed, or invest in something new?

Well, it's simple. That bike has memories that no other bike will ever have for you. If it still works for you, go for it. Otherwise, find something else.

I'd bet that "old" Colnago will outlast anything plastic...

Buy a new full carbon bike. That's my vote.

Let us know what you end up doing.

Stick with the Colnago. You may never again have the opportunity to own such a classic. You can always walk into any bike shop in any city or town and select a contemporary bike from a wide selection of models. FWIW, except for my Trek 7300 FX commuter, all my road bikes are vintage, the oldest being from 1962. I think they ride as well as any contemporary bike, the only difference being that they use downtube shifters vs. brifters.

Melliman

My story is similar to yours, I used to ride a bike a lot, then after graduating from college, I hung it up, gained weight and had a heart attack. I now commute on a bike most days, and feel far better than I did 6 years ago when the heart woke me up.
In my opinion, the most important thing about a bike is that it fit you - both physically and mentally. I would never feel comfortable on a carbon bike, but that's me. At the same time, I have, and love a bianchi of similar vintage to John E's bike (mine is a 1986 Campione), which I have upgraded to have modern indexed shifting - that bike fits me well. I also have a custom built steel, lugged frame bike which, for other rides, fits me too, and my workhorse, daily commuter started life as a steel touring bike. I think that it still has the original headset, but I don't think that any other components on the bike are original. It is hard to figure out where the bike ends and where I begin when I am on it. It is heavy (about 36lbs), slow, reliable, comfortable - very much like me in many ways :).

My advice would be - if the Colnago fits - then that is your bike and you need to bring it home.

I'm in the N+1 camp. I really enjoy having two bikes with completely different personalities.

So buy the Colnago back and later buy something nice and contemporary. That'll give you a nice baseline from which to buy the third bike.

I think tsl hit it square on the head. You've been given a rare second chance, so don't let that Colnago slip away from you again. But later, get yourself something more modern, just for a change of pace. Then start planning the next one.
N+1 must be obeyed. ;)

Going to disagree with most here. At your increased age since you last rode the Colnago- you have lost a lot of fitness. That Colnago bike is old with old components that although they may have been top-notch 20 years ago- Will not cut it up against modern bikes.

In the last two years I have gone from a Starter bike- Giant OCR- To a top notch Bike- Boreas Ignis and got a Respectable bike in a Giant TCR. The Boreas is a dream to ride- but the TCR is not far behind. So I reckon that you can get a bike that is easier to ride- lighter to ride and with better Modern components than the 20 year old bike you are considering buying back. With $1500 you are getting into the realms of a bike that is going to encourage you to use it.

May be sacrilege to say it- but Your Colnago is an old bike- A lot has changed in the last 20 years and it has not all been bad.

I am nostalgic as the next guy. I'm 64 and wish I still had my old Peugeot PX10. I'd buy back the Colnago in a minute and then upgrade it. Maybe turn it into a fixed gear bike - they are GREAT riding. I have a fixed steel bike that I love to ride. If not, I just bought a new carbon frame - the rs2 group buy from the forum- and built up the bike. 16 lbs. I have been a steel guy, with one cannondale exception, and I tell you what, the rs2 rides like a dream! You can get a lot of bike for $1600-2000 these days. It's good advice to look at the Giants. If I were you I'd look at Cannondale too. Their aluminum rides great. The main thing is that it fits you and you like it. Let us know what you end up doing. The main thing is to get something you will ride.

I had a similar situation with my old MASI. It is a '77, California MASI, and I couldn't bring myself to sell it. Too nice a frame, too many memories.

My main road bike is a Calfee Tetra; yeah, all carbon. Great bike. FSA and Shimano Ultegra components, Topolino wheels.

So I converted my MASI to a single speed, and now I ride it a lot for recovery rides (the 42t x 16t keeps me from wanting to go too fast). Very comfortable bike.

I even rode it on a local 5fix2 ride with a bunch of "kids" (med. age probably 22) and their fixie bikes. Great fun!

(Ask Alice, I think she'll know). Here it is in single-speed set up:

http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee179/bikephoto1/SkunkMASI1.jpg

Well, let's see... I had an old, trusty, steel Gitane that I road a lot in the early to mid '80s
Loved that bike and I put a lot of miles on it but, like for you, things changed and I didn't ride anymore.
Fast forward 20 years and the bike is gathering cobwebs and taking up room I don't have.
So, I dumped the bike for fifty bucks.
Fast forward another 6 months and I get the bug again (with the enabling assist of the ever lovely Mrs S) and I'm back in the saddle of a great, new Gary Fisher hybrid.
Fast forward another year and I realize that -while the hybrid is nice. Really nice- the road is my one, try love so I buy a nice new aluminum bike. It is LIGHT YEARS better than the old Gitane ever was. Even had I started up again with an overhauled Gitane, the LeMond would still have been a given just because it is so much better a bike.
Fast forward another year -to now- and I get the carbon bug and it is to the LeMond what the LeMond was to the Gary Fisher

The moral of this shaggy dog story?
Get thee to the LBS and test a bunch of new bikes and then buy one of them.
Things are that much better now.

Well, after reading all the posts, I've got to put in one more post.

I miss my old Paramount. Great, comfortable ride. Money can add different components--enough money can add anything you want to add to the old steel steed, and that will probably be less than you would spend if you don't get into the bicycle upgrade game. Just speaking from a lot of experience and a lot less weight in my ass pocket.

N+1+1+1

You will never regret having two different style bikes.

I have three (mtn bike, utility road bike and Lemond), and they all have different personalities, and I love them all, but I ride the Lemond the most.

Well, after reading all the posts, I've got to put in one more post.
Money can add different components--enough money can add anything you want to add to the old steel steed...

Now, that's the right attitude! :D

But I'd still say, try a bunch before you decide (and, yes, watch out for that "upgrade game". It can be a killer)

If the Colnago still is set up pretty much the way you sold it and/or it doesn't need a bunch of parts to get it that way it would be a good intro back into the riding thing. But, on a going forward basis getting replacement parts will always be somewhat of an issue.

OTOH with a new bike you'll get the benefit of a personalized fitting, modern components that work well and new replacement parts can be had at nearly any decently equipped LBS.

Is there any way you could grab the old steed, get back into riding and take some time educate yourself about the new stuff; then make a new purchase later?

I have a new CF Specialized and my old Steel bike. I love them both - so N+1 works for me. But... for practicality reasons I would not give $1600 for any bike where the frame would have to be bent to update to a 10 cog cassett, you could probably find a nice Colnalgo frame on E-Bay that could be outfitted with a whole new Campy group for less. Forget about the nostalgic value - is it a good value at $1600, maybe the right price is $600.

I would not think of trying to modernize the Colnago. If you want modern components, go for a new bike.

The question of the true value of the Colnago is a good one. I don't know what it is really worth. I do know that a new bike selling for $1600 is not going to be of similar quality level as a top level hand made Italian lugged steel frame with Campy Record components. The new bike would be what? Aluminum frame with carbon stays and fork and 105 or Veloce level components? That would be a nice bike with modern features, but quality is timeless. It would be a step down.

My '84 Centurion gets ridden a fair amount and I love it, but I mostly ride the newer bikes - Calfee Tetra and Talerico (modern lugged steel). Give me 10 speeds and Ergo. To a degree, stiffer and lighter is better.

But the nice thing - vintage Colnago, new bike, or N+1 - there is no wrong answer. Just do it.

I'd like to thank all of you for your input - I never expected to get this many replies, but I guess with people our age, we have a lot of experience - and opinions - and aren't afraid to express them! As it should be.

I'd like to report that I've made a decision, but I haven't. The differing opinions in this thread reflect the swirling that's been going around in my head for the past week.

I have to admit that the new technology scares me a bit - carbon bikes, that crack, peel, cable rub, glued-in components - a disposable bike almost - then again, I remember upgrading from my Cannondale touring bike to the Colnago - oh my God - the difference was remarkable and inspiring. I guess I need to get out and experience the new technology before making a decision - is it frivolous to have a Sunday ride, too - in addition to the everyday workhorse that reflects the latest technology?

Then again, I'm 55, I don't expect to be doing any time trials in the near future - it's flat around here - how fast do I need to go? How many gears do I need? New vs. old technology - what's the difference in speed? 5% - 10%? Comfort? Here I go again. I'll let you know what I do. Thanks again.

Then again, I'm 55, I don't expect to be doing any time trials in the near future - it's flat around here - how fast do I need to go? How many gears do I need? New vs. old technology - what's the difference in speed? 5% - 10%? Comfort? Here I go again. I'll let you know what I do. Thanks again.

I don't want to bore you with how many times I have seen statements like that written on this forum, and then, a year or so later, a big change in attitude and goals.

I started bicycling (seriously) at 58 years old in March, 1998. I did the 350 mile "Ride the Rockies" in late June of that year, including Colorado passes at 11-12,000 feet. I am now 68 years old, and yesterday I swam 45 minutes in the morning and then went for a 20 mile bike ride.

There are folks here in their 60's doing time trials.

Don't start using "I am 55 years old" as an excuse. It won't fly here.:p

Is it frivolous to have a Sunday ride, too - in addition to the everyday workhorse that reflects the latest technology?


When confronted with two good options, choose them both if you can. Compared with the price of blonds, sports cars, sail boats and other diversions, owning a couple of bikes is a pretty reasonable proposition.

is it frivolous to have a Sunday ride, too - in addition to the everyday workhorse that reflects the latest technology?

Maybe, but what's wrong with that? Read a few posts and you'll see that many of us have many bikes for all sorts of reasons. Some are minor variations of the same type of bike, some are bikes for very different kinds of riding. Any reason for adding a bike to the stable is a good one. N+1 will set you free! :D

I have to admit that the new technology scares me a bit - carbon bikes, that crack, peel, cable rub, glued-in components - a disposable bike almost - then again, I remember upgrading from my Cannondale touring bike to the Colnago - oh my God - the difference was remarkable and inspiring.

My carbon fiber Calfee is 9 years young and without a problem, although I did replace the original fork. If you are more comfortable with steel that's OK too. Aluminum bikes today don't have a ride like the early C'dales. And Ti bikes these days are not generally as flexible/whippy as before.

Nothing today is as maintenance free as downtube, friction shifting, but then many people prefer indexed drivetrains, 9 or 10 speed cassettes and not having to take hands off the handlebars for gear shifts.

If you are going to cycle again for health reasons find any bike that will inspire you to ride a lot. As always a good fitting frame is the most important factor for comfort.

I enjoy showing up for a MasterFit group ride on a bike that is older than some of the participants. It is very rare in the U.S., distinctive, beautiful, durable, comfortable, efficient, economical, and reliable -- who could ask for more? This hand-crafted Austro-Bohemian frame is to a modern TIG-welded frame what Swarovski crystal is to window glass.

My two cents: I am about your age and I too have ridden since I was in high school. I have had a variety of pretty good road/racing bikes in my life. I gave up road biking per se in favor of touring in the late 70s - early 80s, and kept the last touring bike I bought, a Univega Grand Touring ('86). I rode it once in a while, mainly for recreation. Last year I got interested in road biking again and went looking. As a previous poster mentioned, I too just couldn't stand the look of "modern" bikes, but I wanted to try a "new" bike just the same. I ended up buying a new LeMond Sarthe - the only bike I found that I could afford that had a "steel esthetic" and modern design elements and components. I loved it at first ride, bought it, and have been riding it daily (well, almost) ever since. I have to say, if I can use my moderately-priced road bike as a comparison, new bikes with new technology and new designs (especially the gearing/shifters) are a genuine improvement. My LeMond is so quick, so easy to ride, and so satisfying I am glad now that I fought down the old codger instinct to cling to the old and praise it for sentimental reasons. I still commute on the Univega, but I have fun on the LeMond.

Start a new adventure with a new bike . . .
Old bikes are nice, new ones are nicer!

You know what the old bike rides like.

So I would make a quick trip to a couple of LBSs and ride what they offer for $1500-$2000. Then decide which one gives you the most joy & go with it.

I can see why your head would be swirling! As Tom and a couple others suggested, maybe it's test ride time. You might ride some of the new stuff, and realise that with this new stuff under your but, you will never throw a leg over the old bike. Or ... you might not like the new brifters, etc, and your decision is made.

I rebuilt an old bike of mine over the winter, and using it to commute, and do a Century ride later this year. Riding with others though, it has become increasingly apparent to me, that I eventually want a new bike with integrated shifting, etc. We are all different, but maybe some test drives will stop the head-spin. :)

snip
I have to admit that the new technology scares me a bit - carbon bikes, that crack, peel, cable rub, glued-in components - a disposable bike almost -
snip.

I wouldn't give this much thought. My Trek carbon bike frame has a lifetime warranty.

I have to pipe back in. I well built older steel frame will ride just as good if not better and for most of us and climb as well as a new all CF bike. The issue is the components. the new stuff (Whether it be Ultegra/DA or Chorus/Record) shifts so much smoother and faster and for my money Brifters are a dream come true - I went over to them in 11 years ago. Try shifting on a standing climb with down tubes and not even hearing a click out of the drive train when you do it - that's what the new stuff will do. Many of us here like the tight gear spacings of a 10 speed cassett, you can keep the same cadence and pedal pressure as the terrain and wind resistance changes and it makes the ride so much more enjoyable. With the new stuff you don't even think about shifting - you just do it.

If you like classic steel (mine is a classic lugged frame with chromed fork and stays) you can find one that will take a modern group. A new Chorus group can be had on ebay for $1200. You may pay more than $1600 to outfit the modern equivalent of your previous steed but in the end you will have a great ride that is a joy to look at as well.

I learned a valuable lesson when I entered the vintage sports car restoration hobby, for every dollar you spend you are lucky to get back 50 cents and you will have a car that does not perform as well as a modern toyota corrola. Remember - they don't build'm like they use to - and there's a good reason for that.

If you are purely looking for nostalga - well then it really doesn't matter now - does it?

With the new stuff you don't even think about shifting - you just do it.

What's wrong with thinking? :p

What's wrong with thinking? :p

Tried it once - got a head ache

I think tsl hit it square on the head. You've been given a rare second chance, so don't let that Colnago slip away from you again. But later, get yourself something more modern, just for a change of pace. ....

Hubby's 1972 Schwinn Sport Tourer (which came stock with Campy parts and a Brooks saddle, now broken in) hung from a hook in the garage for many years. He kept saying he wanted to get it down and start riding it again. Well last year, he finally got it down and replaced the wheels and spokes, and started riding it again. It's his "old faithful" bike. A few weekends ago, the chain broke after 34 years. It's heavy, but it's vintage and I doubt he'll ever part with it.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b8da04b3127cceb789107a17fc00000026108Eas2TVu4c-

That said... he also loves his new Specialized Roubaix Expert with full CF frame. It's light and fast. And when it's in the shop, he can always ride the Schwinn... and vise-versa (a case for at least 2 bikes).

There are some really great bikes out there for about $1500.

What size wheels did the old mount have..........if 27 then tire selection is somewhat limited.
Better brakes on modern bikes (certainly easier to replace pads and adjust)

I'd get into test ride mode if I were you.

Retro bikes will just turn you into a grouch.

+1! unless the brake clearances on your old ride are so close that you might do a 700c conversion, and also if you don't care about brifters.
I can't convert my 27" wheels to 700c easily. Even so for me, since I ride mainly solo or with my SO and never in echelon, I don't think newer would be much better. I just ride for my health and sanity. I'm never gonna tear up the hills as I once did - knees don't last forever. But keep an open mind and test a few modern bikes out anyway - you're not obligated to buy by after a test ride.
- it isn't the retro bikes that turned me into a grouch - it's the retro me!:rolleyes: