Classic & Vintage - old school road bike

Guys,

I really would like to semi"restore" an old school road bike...

i want a superb cro-mo frame set.. love the downtube shifters..

would want modern headset/bars/wheelset/seat..

sooo,

what bike mfg 80's era frame set would you chose to build up to old/modern specs?

thx for the help.. this is a long term project.. :thumb:

Hummn! Pure race machine then either a Specialized Allez or Sirrus from '87 to '90.

That's a pretty broad question with mostly subjective answers (since no one on the forum is going to suggest a Murray or the like).

I'd check out the Classic/Vintage Rides thread right here in this forum, or go to Velospace.org and do a little window shopping. Once you find some makers that grab your eye you'll be able to ask specifically about them here, and most likely get better information.

You can do what I did: find a nice 531 (or other good tubing) unidentified frame without a fork. Then you don't have to feel bad about putting whatever you want to on it - I went with a full carbon fork, threadless headset, stem, carbon saddle, Thomson seatpost, etc.

Any of the older vintage steel Treks are wonderful bikes to start with.... I have had several.

Tange 1 or 2's are pretty good for the price.
Centurions, Panasonics, late Shoguns.

Columbus SLX, SL, I'd rate better but will cost you.

Good luck. I'd go local, as thread-dwellers here are right in that market, too.

Any mid to late 80's bike will be suitable for retro-modding. My advice is to pick a brand that you like or identify with and search for that particular brand. I'm a very patient individual, part of the hobby for me is the chase. Searching, finding and acquiring are a big part of it for me. Once I acquire and fix/restore its time to let them go.

Good bikes, in all original condition, can be found for reasonable prices if you know what your looking for. In the past month I've acquired a 100% stock Schwinn Peleton with Columus SL/P tubing and an all original Trek Tri-Series 500 with Reynolds 531/501 tubes.

3 rules:

1. Set a budget
2. Buy the correct size
3. DO NOT break rules 1 and 2.

Jim

Jimberight.

Well, chromoly frames would be some of the Raleigh. I think some of the Schwinn LeTour had chromoly..

Guys, what other '80's bikes had Chromoly frames?

Some of the -80's Peugeot had "Carbolite" frames whatever that was.

Well, chromoly frames would be some of the Raleigh. I think some of the Schwinn LeTour had chromoly..

Guys, what other '80's bikes had Chromoly frames?

Some of the -80's Peugeot had "Carbolite" frames whatever that was.


Every manufacturer (well, almost) had chromoly frames. Although Reynolds 531 isnt chromoly it shouldn't be overlooked.

guys thx for the replies.. havnt had a chance to digest em though.. power still out from hurricane.. just got a generator.. stealing a neighbors unsecured wifi from a laptop.

will post back thx

What size frame would you be looking for?

54-56cm. you got one? :)

You can do what I did: find a nice 531 (or other good tubing) unidentified frame without a fork. Then you don't have to feel bad about putting whatever you want to on it - I went with a full carbon fork, threadless headset, stem, carbon saddle, Thomson seatpost, etc.

beautiful...:love:

cro-mo isnt required.... just looking for a GREAT tube set..

thx all:)

By modern head set, did you mean threadless, 1 1/8"? If yes, I don't think you can find one with chromo frame from the 80s. If not, just a newer 1" threaded, then never mind.

beautiful...:love:

cro-mo isnt required.... just looking for a GREAT tube set..

thx all:)

Reynolds 531.. Nervex lugs... yummy!