Vintage as Primary Bike
11-16-15, 09:03 AM
#51
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At present, only steel, only old.
Not really much of a problem. One of my "old" bikes has somewhat modern components (still with downtube shifters). With friction or downtube shifting, there are two things to think about: 1-think ahead, 2-technique (a fancy way of saying "get used to them"). Planning ahead is easy, and getting smooth and quick at downtube shifting is simply a matter of mileage and thinking about it.
In a pace line, still no problem, but you have to pay attention a little more, and try to stay smooth. It's not that hard. You find yourself compensating with your legs, which works, but is counterproductive in the long term; work the gears instead. Almost all pace lines deteriorate on climbs, and downtube shifting can grab those missed gears, and the habit of planning comes in handy.
I like modern bikes, but I don't find riding them to be that much different. Easier until you forget to plan ahead on a climber. They have their own attraction, but less of what I like to see on a bike, while riding or sitting still. Some are plain awesome.
There are two bikes I'd really like to own someday; both are modern, steel, and neither gives up any weight to carbon or aluminum. They're just bikes I like. For some reason, I like the look of steel bikes.
The main thing, once you're moving, is that you're moving. Ride with folks or enjoy it solo, but move on two wheels and enjoy it.
Once you have a bike, it's your bike, so just ride it and don't sweat the details.
The details are what we discuss here, or you talk about when stopped on a ride.
No biggie. A bike is a bike. Some are just more interesting than others.
Not really much of a problem. One of my "old" bikes has somewhat modern components (still with downtube shifters). With friction or downtube shifting, there are two things to think about: 1-think ahead, 2-technique (a fancy way of saying "get used to them"). Planning ahead is easy, and getting smooth and quick at downtube shifting is simply a matter of mileage and thinking about it.
In a pace line, still no problem, but you have to pay attention a little more, and try to stay smooth. It's not that hard. You find yourself compensating with your legs, which works, but is counterproductive in the long term; work the gears instead. Almost all pace lines deteriorate on climbs, and downtube shifting can grab those missed gears, and the habit of planning comes in handy.
I like modern bikes, but I don't find riding them to be that much different. Easier until you forget to plan ahead on a climber. They have their own attraction, but less of what I like to see on a bike, while riding or sitting still. Some are plain awesome.
There are two bikes I'd really like to own someday; both are modern, steel, and neither gives up any weight to carbon or aluminum. They're just bikes I like. For some reason, I like the look of steel bikes.
The main thing, once you're moving, is that you're moving. Ride with folks or enjoy it solo, but move on two wheels and enjoy it.
Once you have a bike, it's your bike, so just ride it and don't sweat the details.
The details are what we discuss here, or you talk about when stopped on a ride.
No biggie. A bike is a bike. Some are just more interesting than others.
Just curious -- what two modern steel bikes are on your wish list?
11-16-15, 11:53 AM
#52
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I just clocked my best time on a local climb on my 82 Medici sporting its original 6 speed SR. I have a newer bike (2011) but most folks think it is also C&V.
11-16-15, 12:56 PM
#53
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11-16-15, 06:50 PM
#54
Get off my lawn!
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This bites without pictures.
A C&V updated for daily use
A C&V updated for daily use
11-16-15, 07:45 PM
#56
curmudgineer
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At present, only steel, only old.
Not really much of a problem. One of my "old" bikes has somewhat modern components (still with downtube shifters). With friction or downtube shifting, there are two things to think about: 1-think ahead, 2-technique (a fancy way of saying "get used to them"). Planning ahead is easy, and getting smooth and quick at downtube shifting is simply a matter of mileage and thinking about it.
In a pace line, still no problem, but you have to pay attention a little more, and try to stay smooth. It's not that hard. You find yourself compensating with your legs, which works, but is counterproductive in the long term; work the gears instead. Almost all pace lines deteriorate on climbs, and downtube shifting can grab those missed gears, and the habit of planning comes in handy.
I like modern bikes, but I don't find riding them to be that much different. Easier until you forget to plan ahead on a climber. They have their own attraction, but less of what I like to see on a bike, while riding or sitting still. Some are plain awesome.
There are two bikes I'd really like to own someday; both are modern, steel, and neither gives up any weight to carbon or aluminum. They're just bikes I like. For some reason, I like the look of steel bikes.
The main thing, once you're moving, is that you're moving. Ride with folks or enjoy it solo, but move on two wheels and enjoy it.
Once you have a bike, it's your bike, so just ride it and don't sweat the details.
The details are what we discuss here, or you talk about when stopped on a ride.
No biggie. A bike is a bike. Some are just more interesting than others.
Not really much of a problem. One of my "old" bikes has somewhat modern components (still with downtube shifters). With friction or downtube shifting, there are two things to think about: 1-think ahead, 2-technique (a fancy way of saying "get used to them"). Planning ahead is easy, and getting smooth and quick at downtube shifting is simply a matter of mileage and thinking about it.
In a pace line, still no problem, but you have to pay attention a little more, and try to stay smooth. It's not that hard. You find yourself compensating with your legs, which works, but is counterproductive in the long term; work the gears instead. Almost all pace lines deteriorate on climbs, and downtube shifting can grab those missed gears, and the habit of planning comes in handy.
I like modern bikes, but I don't find riding them to be that much different. Easier until you forget to plan ahead on a climber. They have their own attraction, but less of what I like to see on a bike, while riding or sitting still. Some are plain awesome.
There are two bikes I'd really like to own someday; both are modern, steel, and neither gives up any weight to carbon or aluminum. They're just bikes I like. For some reason, I like the look of steel bikes.
The main thing, once you're moving, is that you're moving. Ride with folks or enjoy it solo, but move on two wheels and enjoy it.
Once you have a bike, it's your bike, so just ride it and don't sweat the details.
The details are what we discuss here, or you talk about when stopped on a ride.
No biggie. A bike is a bike. Some are just more interesting than others.
I'd be all over that, as a commuter bike - with some front luggage - and a dose of my own peculiar gearing perversion!
11-16-15, 08:07 PM
#57
Senior Member
11-16-15, 09:10 PM
#59
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All my road bikes are 80's steel. I see no reason to buy new bikes, perhaps upgrade some of the componentry. For my first year of road biking I just used an '88 LeTour I got for $80, and in great shape too. I wouldn't have had any issues continuing to use that as my only ride but got bit by the bug to get more. Nice thing if you shop around, you can get a lot more old bikes for the money! I've got 4 now and have spent about 1k including shipping 3 of them.
I'll modernize the components of 2 of them, and likely leave all the rest original.
I'll modernize the components of 2 of them, and likely leave all the rest original.
11-17-15, 01:11 PM
#60
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Yes, my 1977 Trek TX-900 (equipped with '80's Superbe Pro) is my daily ride. Most days, usually 15-20 mi. I am building '84 610 frame with Campy Mirage /Ergo. Should help with my age and hand surgery issues.
11-17-15, 08:41 PM
#61
Get off my lawn!
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My kids vintage rides-gets em to school and back without fail
11-17-15, 09:21 PM
#62
The Left Coast, USA
11-17-15, 11:10 PM
#63
You gonna eat that?
If I could only have 5 bicycles, they would ALL be steel. (And yes, they are.)
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I stop for people / whose right of way I honor / but not for no one.
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"However, it's never a good idea to overgeneralize."
I stop for people / whose right of way I honor / but not for no one.
Originally Posted by bragi "However, it's never a good idea to overgeneralize."
11-17-15, 11:16 PM
#64
Friendship is Magic
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...it's an el Nino year, so I might have to put fenders back on this one.
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11-18-15, 12:18 AM
#65
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Its a Fondriest, so it should be a nice old bike, granted, but probably not worth treating with kid gloves just yet
11-18-15, 12:28 AM
#66
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Its beautiful ---- enjoy. I hate to use another car analogy, but treat it like i do my worktruck - (my worktruck is a '15 F150 with just enough options to make it comfortable, but not enough to rival a Cadillac in plushness )
-- That is, i am not going out and about to purposely put my truck in harms way, -- but if it racks up a few miles or gets a door ding somewhere, i'm not going to go ballistic --- but i also never say "screw it, its just a truck" - because even basic trucks still cost 35k now and are deserving of my care and respect in the upkeep
-- That is, i am not going out and about to purposely put my truck in harms way, -- but if it racks up a few miles or gets a door ding somewhere, i'm not going to go ballistic --- but i also never say "screw it, its just a truck" - because even basic trucks still cost 35k now and are deserving of my care and respect in the upkeep
11-18-15, 12:35 AM
#67
I'm a Classic Man.
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Steel is real, Schwinn for the win, lock your Raleigh in the alley, see me go on a Colnago, no room for Jerks when you ride a Merckx, stop and smell De Rosas!!!, you'll be flossy when riding a Masi, I eat (carbon) fiber... It keeps my bowel movements regular. And one more thing.... Steel is Real!!!������
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