Classic & Vintage - Your common love.

I've noticed a lot of "high end" love around here, and a lot of bottom end love too... but most of the people with the entry level or mid older bikes don't tend to show them/boast about them... well I want to see them/read the stories attached. Is it your old 80's warhorse commuter? perhaps a bmx bike that cost sub 200 and you just can't part with? etc. etc.. now show me!

I don't know if this is what you're going for, but I picked up this Panasonic DX-3000 a while back to flip, and it just rides so nice I decided not to part with it. Tange 2 frame, 105 bits. I have since swapped in some American Classic/Matrix wheels and some PB fenders. My only itty bitty complaint is there isn't a lot of tire clearance. 25 mm is about it.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7034/6812672075_153a2973ae_z.jpg

I don't know if this is what you're going for, but I picked up this Panasonic DX-3000 a while back to flip, and it just rides so nice I decided not to part with it. Tange 2 frame, 105 bits. I have since swapped in some American Classic/Matrix wheels and some PB fenders. My only itty bitty complaint is there isn't a lot of tire clearance. 25 mm is about it.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7034/6812672075_153a2973ae_z.jpg

;) That may be a notch or two too nice for this, but you've got the right spirit! I like it..

I'm still riding the Fuji 'Special Road Racer' I bought in college 36 years ago. I really don't see the need to replace it.

http://i628.photobucket.com/albums/uu4/Cougrrcj/DSCF0120.jpg

We've ridden 30-40 thousand miles together over the years...

I'm still riding the Fuji 'Special Road Racer' I bought in college 36 years ago. I really don't see the need to replace it.

http://i628.photobucket.com/albums/uu4/Cougrrcj/DSCF0120.jpg

We've ridden 30-40 thousand miles together over the years...
Wow ever had to repaint her? And that's exactly what I'm talking about!

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Got this Mirage frame in trade with another forum member couple years ago.Has less than hundred miles on her as its too small for myself and too big for the kids.Only love for it is from Kitty-cottenheadedninymuggins. :)

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc219/walkingfloor198/2012-08-19_1054441.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc219/walkingfloor198/th_2012-08-19_1053501.jpg (http://s219.photobucket.com/albums/cc219/walkingfloor198/?action=view&current=2012-08-19_1053501.jpg)
http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc219/walkingfloor198/th_2012-08-19_1056451.jpg (http://s219.photobucket.com/albums/cc219/walkingfloor198/?action=view&current=2012-08-19_1056451.jpg)
http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc219/walkingfloor198/th_2012-08-19_1056591.jpg (http://s219.photobucket.com/albums/cc219/walkingfloor198/?action=view&current=2012-08-19_1056591.jpg)

Here is my '87 Bianchi Sport SX which not only rekindled my love of cycling from my teen years but also introduced me to my life long obsession with Bianchi bikes. I actually bought her new from the left over money from my '67 Beetle being 'totaled' in an accident. I bought a used replacement fender/taillight and with the rest of the $500 I bought this.

A Tange DB SuperSet for Bianchi frame, Suntour Alpha 5000 components except for the brakelevers, Nitto B-115 bars on a specialized stem and QBP adaptor, Jagwire cables and Sheetz XL Hazelnut coffee. The first year I had it I rode her almost into the ground. I must have had a good 1000 miles by the end of the year, training, commuting, training races, real citizen races, a MS Ride. She is not exactly original now but very close and set up how I like it.

http://www.bikeforums.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=268268&d=1345403219


Despite augmenting her with a Chorus festooned '88 Super Leggera the Sport SX and I continued to enjoy many sunny, rainy, cold and snowy commutes. I also had her set up and flatbar cross bike at one time. She got back at the Super L for pushing her aside by wearing the Super's cranks and calipers for a few years. We have seen alot of miles togather and I hope we will see many more.


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ALL of my bikes are entry- to mid-level. :lol:

My current stable is all mid-level at best, and I don't care. I'm having my fun with my bikes, which are appropriate for the type of riding I do. If I were doing some competitive racing, or "A" level club rides, it would be a different story. I also still have my bike that I bought when I was in college.

Most of mine are low to mid-end also. Only a couple of exceptions and I don't really ride those much. When all else fails I more often than not grab the '84 Gitane Sprint (Vitus 788 tubing) that I purchased in 2008 to be my winter indoor trainer. It hasn't seen an indoor trainer since 2009.

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m191/scozim/2011%20scenes/IMGP6230.jpg

http://i623.photobucket.com/albums/tt314/StuartAgutter/Giant%20and%20Cov%20Eagle/DSCN0375.jpg

http://i623.photobucket.com/albums/tt314/StuartAgutter/Giant%20and%20Cov%20Eagle/DSCN0363.jpg

http://i623.photobucket.com/albums/tt314/StuartAgutter/Giant%20and%20Cov%20Eagle/DSCN0361.jpg

My Coventry Eagle 'Commodore' - deliberately left 'Urban distressed' so I can lock it and leave it in town. Mid range bike from the late 1970's but built from Reynolds 453 tubing - seamed butted tubing that includes titanium in its steel alloy - great for touring.
This one was a 'shed find' when helping a neighbour to clear an out house in one of his homes. Lucky me!

http://i623.photobucket.com/albums/tt314/StuartAgutter/DSC00161.jpg

http://i623.photobucket.com/albums/tt314/StuartAgutter/DSC00162.jpg

http://i623.photobucket.com/albums/tt314/StuartAgutter/Giant%20and%20Cov%20Eagle/DSCN0369.jpg

http://i623.photobucket.com/albums/tt314/StuartAgutter/Giant%20and%20Cov%20Eagle/DSCN0370.jpg

Here's another "common" bike from the same shed, that I've grown to love. I found that this frame and forks were from a 1993 Giant Allegre, once I'd cleaned all the grime and pigeon guano off the brush repainted frame. Stripped all that off and started from scratch rebuilding from a bare metal frame, using parts sourced cheaply off e-bay or given free by friends. I've got enough Campagnolo equipped bikes, but this makes a brilliant any time ride - It's really fun, responsive and accelerates well - and though I'd hate to drop it, it hasn't cost very much, so probably the best value bike I've got!

Wow ever had to repaint her? And that's exactly what I'm talking about!

Nope, original scratched/nicked/chipped paint. I couldn't stand the original screw-on-valvestem pump that came with the bike, so I've had the Zefal HP pump on it since '76... That and the cheap rack.... That orange thing is a USCG-approved Xenon strobe for early morning rides.

Numerous wheelsets, three rear derailleurs, one front, new crankset, two freewheels, suspension seatpost... SunTour barends since 2-months old. Replacement cables, etc...Only original components are frame, fork, Dia-comp centerpulls, and believe it or not, the original Fujita Belt leather saddle! Now wearing my last set of original 'Number 1' handlebar tape.

Michael, I want to steal your cat. And how small is that mixte?

BG: As always, amazing.

Scozim: I love stories like that! The bike that took over!

Old: Those mostly look like sleepers not "common love"!

This is great guys keep them coming!

This one is my current love a 74 Juenet 620. I originaly got from the scrap pile at the local bike coop with intentions of building it up to flip. Well I couldn't sell it for a good price the best bit of odd luck I have ever had on a bike if I had sold it would have regreted it and never realized how great it road, so I kept it and road it. The bike road so good that upgraded most of the parts and kept it as a daily rider. With the current 9 speed alpine gearing it rides better than bikes I have owned costing close to a $1000 and can handle almost anything including riding with 50lb roads or doing centuries with friends who have high modern carbon fiber bikes.

http://i1211.photobucket.com/albums/cc430/zukahn2/juenet/DSC00729.jpg
http://i1211.photobucket.com/albums/cc430/zukahn2/juenet/DSC00730.jpg
http://i1211.photobucket.com/albums/cc430/zukahn2/juenet/DSC00731.jpg

Yes I do intend to redue the paint some day but that would mean I would have to stop riding it which I don't want to do.

Michael, I want to steal your cat. And how small is that mixte?

Ha!When she has kittens your welcome to the whole litter. ;) The Moto is 19 ".

This has been posted before, but here is it again. This was my first derailleur bike, 1972. When I bought this I didn't know anyone who owned such a bike, so I was going out on a limb. This pic is from about a year ago when I was using it as a commuter, 25 miles round trip. I rode this as my main ride for perhaps 15 years and have only recently opened my eyes to how a bike could be better. That says something about how good the UO8 really was.

http://world.std.com/%7Emuller/pics/UO8_in_2011.jpg

Since BianchiGirll has posted her Sport Six, I will post this also, a near-bottom-end Bianchi Brava. I built this up from a bare frame this past winter on a whim, and have been delighted with it ever since.

http://users.rcn.com/jimmuller/pics/Bianchi1.jpg

You can't get more "common" than this... I don't think even the U08 is more ubiquitous than the GP - and like its French cousin, it's a joy to ride.


'73 Raleigh/Gazelle Grand Prix
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh117/auchencrow/Raleigh%20Grand%20Prix%20-%20White%201973/RaleighGrandPrixWhite736.jpg

It's so common I have two!

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh117/auchencrow/Raleigh%20Grand%20Prix%20-%20blue%201976/RaleighGrandPrix-1973Blue_.jpg

Got this Mirage frame in trade with another forum member couple years ago.Has less than hundred miles on her as its too small for myself and too big for the kids.Only love for it is from Kitty-cottenheadedninymuggins. :)

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc219/walkingfloor198/2012-08-19_1054441.jpg





I love your cat!

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb45/BattleRabbitBand/158E9900-8711-487D-85A1-AEC3F1BBEAC2-22065-000017DFA689D008.jpg

My Franken-Le Tour has a few thousand on it, and it's a definite old entry level bike! I love it anyways, it's good fun, and it's comfortable. Handles loose gravel better than it has any right to!

Zukahn: now that truly looks like an old friend.

Jim: I've heard often enough the ride on those peugeot's are nice. Dunno about that bianchi.. looks a bit shiny for my liking.

Auchen: I've got a 72 centurion lemans, (basically the same bike) and it's stayed with me forever. I think I understand that pair.

Battle: Love it.

94 Schwinn Crosscut. I found her at a storage facility sale. I set it up as shown, and it was love after first ride. This one stays in the keeper fleet.

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5159/6997361178_7ebecb6392_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/wng555/6997361178/)
2012-05-04 -001 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/wng555/6997361178/) by WNG555 (http://www.flickr.com/people/wng555/), on Flickr

96 Diamondback Sorrento. Parts bin build as a utility-cruiser. It sports a mtb rack now, and serves as a beater.

http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4075/4770129725_1de6e5e405_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/wng555/4770129725/)
IMG_8085 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/wng555/4770129725/) by WNG555 (http://www.flickr.com/people/wng555/), on Flickr

I added a Peugeot U0-9 fixer-upper recently, and may turn it into a single speed for a change. I have a soft spot for Pugs.

Pretty much all of my bikes are low-to-mid-range models because that's all anyone ever throws out around here, or at least is still on the curb by the time I discover it.

These two from 1980, my Sekine RM40 and my Wife's Mixte Sprite are my two favourites, though:

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I think everything I have in my small stable is pretty common, but this is about as common as they get: Gitane Grand Sport de Luxe built from a beat-up bare frame with mostly scrounged or traded-for parts.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y121/aegaspari/IMG_3568Modified.jpg

my cannondale rs600. great riding bike, its the one i can ride in bad weather or throw in the back of my jeep and not worry about scratches.
http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m615/sloar1070/bike1.jpg

I've got a low-mid frameset I've decided to build: Univega Modo Vivere-Columbus Thron OS tubing and steel fork.
It will be a budgeteer, with Micrshift 9sp drivetrain, a set of wheels to be named later, and whatever parts I can cobble together.

I have no doubt it will become a keeper that I will ride a lot. It just feels like it, already.

This specialized sirrus was my very first bike. It came with RX-100, but I put some ergos on it for faster road riding. I have since sold it.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-deQvc4Bkrj4/TRAeCoOlQgI/AAAAAAAAAG4/UojYR6C2WQs/s640/DSC02364.JPG

I just bought a Nishiki Olympic 12 for cheap and got it on the road the other day. It's maiden voyage was the bike parade at the Boise, Idaho Tour De Fat (New Beligum Brewing Company). The paint got sort of messed up from trying to get the seized seatpost out and finally using sodium hydroxide on it. It rides so nice I am going to take all the parts off it and have the frame and fork powder coated. After the powder coat it's getting a Turbo saddle, new pedals, and a front brake. :)

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3: I don't want to know! Especially now that I know we do overlap on frame sizes.

WNG: Not a fan of sloping top tubes, but I'll make an exception in this case. I like it. I love how DB's also have that very plain utility look in that era.

Nova: That picture looks right out of the 70's! A friend of mine likes those old schwinns too.. does your wife love the mixte as much as you do?

02: I have never ridden a Gitane, how is it?

Sloar: >.> That's your beater?!?!?!

Robbie: Report back when done.

Puget: How can it be your love if you betrayed it? ;)

Josh: Now that's a story I love. Glad to see that bike got a nice home, what's the paint scheme gonna be?

You can't get more "common" than this... I don't think even the U08 is more ubiquitous than the GP - and like its French cousin, it's a joy to ride.
It's so common I have two!
That's great, Auchen, but I see you need two of them. One not good enough? :D (I used to have a car like that.)


Jim: I've heard often enough the ride on those peugeot's are nice. Dunno about that bianchi.. looks a bit shiny for my liking.
Black paint hides a multitude of sins, I mean paint chips. In any case, it was represented to me as being an '89. BG says the color scheme (presumably without paint chips) is from the '87 catalogue. However it carries a campione del mono '86-'87 sticker on the DT. I wonder how they'd have known to install it in '87, unless it was added, perhaps by a dealer, after the fact, or unless the bike was built very late in '87. It doesn't matter, of course. That's the bike I ride lately when I want raw performance but am too concerned about the circumstances to take the Masi. Provided I'm not too concerned about being pounded to pieces - it's rides hard.

That's great, Auchen, but I see you need two of them. One not good enough? :D (I used to have a car like that.)


Black paint hides a multitude of sins, I mean paint chips. In any case, it was represented to me as being an '89. BG says the color scheme (presumably without paint chips) is from the '87 catalogue. However it carries a campione del mono '86-'87 sticker on the DT. I wonder how they'd have known to install it in '87, unless it was added, perhaps by a dealer, after the fact, or unless the bike was built very late in '87. It doesn't matter, of course. That's the bike I ride lately when I want raw performance but am too concerned about the circumstances to take the Masi. Provided I'm not too concerned about being pounded to pieces - it's rides hard.
Lucky you! The black paint on my main bike the chips and scratches show like it's radioactive!!!!!!!!!! Glad that bike gets used well though.

3:
Puget: How can it be your love if you betrayed it? ;)


Sometimes you let go of the ones you love. At the time, it was the best thing to do. I'm kind of scared of getting another one because my tastes have become a bit more refined since then. It might ruin the memories.

loved my $20 beater ('70s era Schwinn LeTour) cuz it got me back into road bikes. I was desparate one summer weekend about 5 years ago and drove to CT for a bike my size so I would have a weekend project. the tires shredded on my weekend maiden 17 mile trial trip to work but I made it home in time before the bulge gave way. now I have an aluminum Botecchia with carbon fork and integrated shifters but we don't forget those that served us well, do we ;)

Pug: Guess I can let it slide.. for now.

Rum: Are those half clips?!?!

Nova: That picture looks right out of the 70's! A friend of mine likes those old schwinns too.. does your wife love the mixte as much as you do?


I swear it was taken only a couple of weeks ago, I was only 2 years old when these bikes where made. See the Tektro aero brakes and Bontranger trunk bag for the time-shift. :)
It's a Raleigh and a Sekine however, not a Schwinn.
My wife loves the Sprite, but I think for different reasons than I do. First, it was an anniversary present, second it's really shiny now, third - once it gets going it rolls pretty fast. The fact that's vintage isn't really a factor for her.
She likes that it's a 'touring bike' as well... Just makes it sound cooler that it was built with a specific purpose in mind like that and makes her (slightly) less jealous of my Miyata.

She enjoys riding it a lot more after the recent rebuild... All SunTour with alloy drops and SR cranks. Still weighs in at nearly 40lbs with the chrome wheels and, well, it's a Mixte so new wheels will help a little but not massively for weight. Her aluminum commuter is nearly 40lbs with a suspension fork so that doesn't make much difference to her.
The aero position of the drop bars is new to her, she likes the speed she gets on this bike (first ride out I was working hard to keep up with her) but after a few 20km trips her wrists hurt - could be the change in riding posture, or a fit/adjustment issue, we're still working that out. I recently got a donor bike that has bars much like the Sprite would have originally shipped with, so we may end up putting them on it instead. DT friction shifters are a bit of a new thing for her as well, her other bike is trigger SIS indexed so it takes her a bit of fiddling to find the gear even with the SunTours on there.

Josh: Now that's a story I love. Glad to see that bike got a nice home, what's the paint scheme gonna be?

I think I'm just going to do solid pearl white, white Turbo and the brown tape like what is in the pic. The bike will be ridden by my girlfriend most of the time, it fits her perfectly and she fell in love with it over the weekend. Great thread, nice to see all the bikes and hear the story behind em'.

Here's my 1980 Centurion Elite. I got it from some guy who had it wasting in his truck bed for $35. http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/170942-Centurion-Serial-Number-Database?p=14068928&viewfull=1#post14068928

As shown after getting some cables quickly from the local bike co-op.I have since removed the rack and will be replacing the cranks (warped) and brakeset (levers busted).

http://i.imgur.com/d3O59.jpg

02: I have never ridden a Gitane, how is it?


The frame is, well, not stiff. I believe the French actually managed to construct a frame out of Twizzlers, or cheese, or something. In combination with the 700c x 32 Paselas, it soaks up bumps really well, and is a very comfortable bike for longer rides, but no one will ever describe the handling as anything approaching tight. I built it with this in mind (1x5, 42 x 14-28), so it's no problem.

http://i1141.photobucket.com/albums/n591/seedsbelize/world%201/worldshots12.jpg
http://i1141.photobucket.com/albums/n591/seedsbelize/world%201/worldshots004.jpg

After 6 years in the rainforest of southern Belize, we moved to Mérida. After 3 years of solid searching, I went online and found this, in Guadalajara. It brought me to these forums.
Femco 1209 Hi Ten Steel. I've upgraded the hubs and rims and it's my wintertime, long distance bike.
http://i1141.photobucket.com/albums/n591/seedsbelize/world%201/giant001.jpg
And this one, a '93 Giant Prodigy, which got me back into cycling after a ten year hiatus to go back to the land. This one went along to Belize and got a shock absorbing fork for a few years. Golden Boy. My daily rider.
The rest are all low to mid level as well, and don't get ridden nearly as much, being in the US.

re: "Rum: Are those half clips?!?!"

uh huh, custom hack saw job ... ;)

Nova: I apologize ;) Was a busy day, it's a nice Sekine.

RFJ: Lower end centurions also have a fond place in my heart, good going!

02:That does sound like a comfy ride.

Rum: You are indeed a kindred spirit.. at least when the hacksaws in your hand ;)

I know we aren't the only ones guys! Where's the rest?!?!

This one was a 'shed find' when helping a neighbour to clear an out house in one of his homes. Lucky me!

http://i623.photobucket.com/albums/tt314/StuartAgutter/DSC00161.jpg

http://i623.photobucket.com/albums/tt314/StuartAgutter/DSC00162.jpg

Oldpedaller, your "shed find" looks like my Bianchi Eros would if the front half were spraybombed black. Which makes a good segue to my entry- to mid-level bike collection... :D

Said Bianchi entry-level model, ca 1991.
http://s36.photobucket.com/albums/e26/sstulken80/Bianchi/beyonce.jpg

Another mid-to-lower-level Bianchi, ca 1988.
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e26/sstulken80/Bianchi%20Premio/bianchi_now.jpg
It's got some rust spots, and I recently snapped off one of the brake cable guides. Thinking about getting it powdercoated.

My Diamondback Ascent, ca 1988. These were well-regarded MTBs at the time, but mine is a notch or two (or three) from the top. I've removed those problematic shifters, derailleurs and U-brake doodads. :D
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e26/sstulken80/Diamondback/fenders1.jpg

...and my '64 Armstrong. Sheldon's opinion was: "A generally low-end Raleigh model."
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e26/sstulken80/Armstrong/armb72.jpg

- Scott

Wow, some really nice bikes on here! Kinda jealous that I only have one right now. Might get a winter project, but with a baby on the way we will see. Actually since I have been riding my wife is thinking about getting a bike so we can go out as a family, so might be getting her a bike for next year.

Here is my 1982 Schwinn Continental that I use for commuting and long distances. I have about 300 on it this season after only getting it a couple of months ago. Training to do a century ride here in September, and I can keep up with some of the lighter bikes when I go out on my training runs. The inquisitive looks I get when I pull up at a light or they catch up after I pass them and they see an all steel bike that weighs 30 lbs itself!

How my rig is when I am commuting:
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-PD8-hu0PSHk/UC1Lu3_I93I/AAAAAAAAExo/yagHa8j_tt4/s485/IMG_20120815_172436.jpg
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-WsjWnKKri9A/UC1MS9R6YFI/AAAAAAAAEx4/TsHBFQHPZfg/s649/IMG_20120815_172400.jpg


At my turn around point on a 60 miler training ride, I have since then removed the "beaver tail" rack in back and will run it without it out since I seem to overload it when I do have a bag on it. I will probably snap a picture tonight on my way home since I have pulled that off.
http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/s720x720/422194_718656351785_777181485_n.jpg


And the coolest thing (IMO) is the original manual with the original purchase date in it. I bought it from the 2nd owner almost 30 years to the day after it was bought.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-8p_feMAxCos/T99OA2z8X3I/AAAAAAAACUM/BEEtRxjMJ80/s485/page+2+%26+3.jpg

This Traveler is a part of me, I'd ride through cannon fire if needed. Flights of stairs? ride down them every day. Speed bump ahead? Bunny hop that #$% like a boss.
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Suicide levers? Pshh yeah, just to troll my snooty cyclist friends out there.

268705

The Interclub was Gitane's entry level racer but it's one of my nicest riding bikes. The workmanship is also a cut above similar level Peugeots that i've worked on.

TS: Wow man, >.< I still find it hard to grasp low-mid with Bianchi written on it and drop bars. Very nice herd.. my favorite though has to be the low end raleigh :D Thanks for sharing. DB's in vintage are always fun too.

Mike: That's just the right touch of wacky for me! A fairing on a continental! I like how the tires add to the scheme btw!

Beryl: I like you style. And I love the schwinn logos on there too.


Pete: Very nice looking bike! Classy old school.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e26/sstulken80/Armstrong/armb72.jpg



I'd love to have one of those. I've been feigning for a Raleigh 3 speed lately

and a kitty!

This is my Raleigh MTB, don't know the model and it's to low end to matter. I bought this in 1987 or 88 straight after leaving high school with every cent I had. Many great memories with it and haven't ridden it possibly for 15 years or more.
I've got this strange idea to paint the frame and all the original components in 2 pack paint and clear coat everything so it sparkles then never ride it again, hang it on the wall or something :lol:

http://i950.photobucket.com/albums/ad345/kdionb/Old%20Bikes/DSCF2162.jpg

Nice it even has a flag!

http://www.bikeforums.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=268477&d=1345488567

Nice it even has a flag!

http://www.bikeforums.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=268477&d=1345488567

What kind of rack is that?