Lightweight Vintage Road Bike?
12-16-08, 05:34 PM
#26
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Per my fish scale my 58 cm C to C Colnago SL from about 1983 claims to be 23.5 pounds. This is corrected for the reading I got weighing twenty pounds of barbell weights for calibration. Full Super Record except Look Carbo Pro pedals. The saddle is a steel rail Regal. Clincher wheels with 700 x 23 Continental Grand Prix folding tires. It also has one bottle cage mounted.
I cannot see much possible weight reduction being possible on this bike without new tubular wheels and tires plus a lighter saddle. Not sure what that would save but I would think less than 2 pounds.
Historically a lot of claimed weights have been for a small frame version of a bike with the lightest possible wheels and tires fitted. Many also w/o pedals as they are delivered without them. Other than track bikes or special builds I would expect it would be difficult to get a 1970s or 80s lugged steel frame bike with a reasonable size frame much below 22 pounds.
I cannot see much possible weight reduction being possible on this bike without new tubular wheels and tires plus a lighter saddle. Not sure what that would save but I would think less than 2 pounds.
Historically a lot of claimed weights have been for a small frame version of a bike with the lightest possible wheels and tires fitted. Many also w/o pedals as they are delivered without them. Other than track bikes or special builds I would expect it would be difficult to get a 1970s or 80s lugged steel frame bike with a reasonable size frame much below 22 pounds.
12-16-08, 05:35 PM
#27
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Ok, I found an 86 Raleigh Technium 400 on Craigslist that looks like it's in great condition, the seller says it weighs around 18-19 pounds, he is asking 225 and I talked him down to 200, good deal or no?
Oh and this is for myself not my brother, still trying to find him a Euro bike, but the advice here has been very helpful
Oh and this is for myself not my brother, still trying to find him a Euro bike, but the advice here has been very helpful
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12-16-08, 05:50 PM
#28
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I believe the Technium model is an aluminum frame with steel lugs, the seller says that it rides almost like a steel frame but with the weight of an aluminum frame
12-16-08, 05:54 PM
#29
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Aren't Lamberts supposed to be made of space age light weight materials? I think I have seen forum members get pretty good deals on those, and it's european. I also hear they are wierd to work on, and the fork issues too.
-Matt
-Matt
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12-16-08, 05:57 PM
#30
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I think I'm going to make a purchase today..
I really can't lose anymore weight myself, i'm 5'11" 155, i fluctuate a little more and a little less, but 5 more pounds off is out of the question
The reason I want a lighter bike for myself is that I had a 25 pound hybrid and I hated it, I have a 16 pound CF bike right now and I really enjoy riding it, most of that is probably components/design/materials ect, but I think the weight plays a role too.
Personally I don't care if it's European, the De Rosas, Colnagos and Olmos are just too expensive, the Peugeots are too heavy for me unless their the PX10 or whatever and those are too expensive. And there's not much out here for the other brands that I'm interested in like Trek, Bianchi and Fuji. Unfortunately I need to make a purchase soon, as I am in dire need of a commuter bike, and I don't want to make a purchase on ebay because I just don't know enough about vintage bikes to be able to eyeball it.
So here's what I'm looking at
The 86 Raleigh Technium 400 which is in great shape and weighs less than 20 pounds (I can probably bring it down even more if I can put an Ultegra group on it)
There's also a Bianchi Brava that just got posted on craigslist, I haven't even inquired about it yet, maybe you guys can tell me something about the quality?
There's a Bianchi Eros available too, unfortunately it's Magenta/Black/Purple, but you know what screw it I'll ride it if you guys think it's a good choice, looks like it's in good condition too.
I have about an hour before I'm going to make a decision, any last minute advice?
I really can't lose anymore weight myself, i'm 5'11" 155, i fluctuate a little more and a little less, but 5 more pounds off is out of the question
The reason I want a lighter bike for myself is that I had a 25 pound hybrid and I hated it, I have a 16 pound CF bike right now and I really enjoy riding it, most of that is probably components/design/materials ect, but I think the weight plays a role too.
Personally I don't care if it's European, the De Rosas, Colnagos and Olmos are just too expensive, the Peugeots are too heavy for me unless their the PX10 or whatever and those are too expensive. And there's not much out here for the other brands that I'm interested in like Trek, Bianchi and Fuji. Unfortunately I need to make a purchase soon, as I am in dire need of a commuter bike, and I don't want to make a purchase on ebay because I just don't know enough about vintage bikes to be able to eyeball it.
So here's what I'm looking at
The 86 Raleigh Technium 400 which is in great shape and weighs less than 20 pounds (I can probably bring it down even more if I can put an Ultegra group on it)
There's also a Bianchi Brava that just got posted on craigslist, I haven't even inquired about it yet, maybe you guys can tell me something about the quality?
There's a Bianchi Eros available too, unfortunately it's Magenta/Black/Purple, but you know what screw it I'll ride it if you guys think it's a good choice, looks like it's in good condition too.
I have about an hour before I'm going to make a decision, any last minute advice?
1. Get the correct size. Measure your inseam, and measure the frame seat tube center to center. The ratio should be around 0.65 to 0.67. Don't get the wrong size, it will cause problems later.
2. Get a color you like. Like the way it looks, including the shapes of the parts and the workmanship and design of the frame joints. If you hate it, you'll be buying another bike soon.
3. Does the frame have the features you will need? Water bottle fittings, room/eyelets for fenders, accommodation for a luggage rack? How will you carry a cable-lock?
4. Be able to buy the bike. Not just the cheapest bike.
5. Consider your values. If bike B meets your needs better but costs, $200 more, it's a better buy than a bike that is 1# lighter. If you can't ride on a wet road because you can't fit fenders, you'll be buying another bike soon enough - the weight won't matter. If you buy a $200 bike and set out "weight weenying" it, you'll be past the $200 difference in less time than you can whip out a credit card.
Notice that in my opinion, light weight is not a driving factor.
When all is said and done, a PX-10E that fits you for around $600 (if you can find this deal) is a pretty good buy, because they are super rides, light, and can take fenders and luggage racks when you decide you'll need them. Just keep up with the lubrication of all those nice old French parts. Keep looking.
Road Fan
Last edited by Road Fan; 12-16-08 at 06:00 PM.
12-16-08, 06:03 PM
#31
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appreciate the advice..
thing is, i already have a nice bike that i weight weenie out with, i just don't want my commuter to be too heavy that's all
i know my size/inseam all of that, i'm going to measure the bikes myself when i get the location, i just wanted to see if anyone could eyeball the size of that eros to save me some time
at this point, i would just like to know if anyone has an opinion on my post at the end of page 1, i posted 3 bikes, just want to know if any one is better than the other, are they all pretty good, or are they all crap
thing is, i already have a nice bike that i weight weenie out with, i just don't want my commuter to be too heavy that's all
i know my size/inseam all of that, i'm going to measure the bikes myself when i get the location, i just wanted to see if anyone could eyeball the size of that eros to save me some time
at this point, i would just like to know if anyone has an opinion on my post at the end of page 1, i posted 3 bikes, just want to know if any one is better than the other, are they all pretty good, or are they all crap
12-16-08, 06:36 PM
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What I'd really recommend is a late-60s to early '70s Peugeot PX-10E, a decent one should come in certainly below $1000 (but I don't really know, so please don't quote me or flame me!!!). That will in stock condition weight in the 21.5 to 22.5 range, depending on modernization and frame size. To get that low weight, you probably have to have tubular wheels as original.
I could easily get it in the 20.X range for $50.
Shaving 5 lbs off of a bike is alot different than losing 5lbs of body weight. Think of it this way....if you had to carry around a gallon of milk all day it would get to be a pain. But what if someone swapped out that gallon for a pint? You'd fell like the world was lifted from your shoulders.
Light bikes handle better, accellerate better, are more fun to ride. Its similar to driving a lightweight sportscar versus a heavy sportscar. My 3200lb Corvette handled differently depending if the tank was full or almost empty. Thats only a 100lb difference which isnt much when your looking at 3500 lbs with a driver and a full tank. I remember a customer commenting about switching to a Flite Titanium saddle. He said it changed the 'pendulum effect' when he was out of the seat and 'rocking' the bike.
12-16-08, 09:57 PM
#35
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+1 There is something special about a Celeste Bianchi.
12-16-08, 10:10 PM
#36
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Actually to my eye, the red Bianchi looks small, that head tube suggests a 53 cm frame to me. The other two look about th4e same size, but I wouldn't be surprised if they were 59s. Of the Raleigh and the Bianchi, I'd take the Bianchi. I think the workmanship will be better, and while I've never owned one, a few friends have, and felt they were some of the most fun bikes they've ever had, except for an RB-1 which one of them still has. I'd pull off the aero bars, but that's just me.
12-16-08, 10:10 PM
#37
WV is not flat..
I just picked up a Peugeot PSN10 with the Super Vitus 980 frame (58cm, full Campy Triomphe group). I haven't weighed it yet , but I know this can't be over 20 lbs. ready to ride. It's getting a tune-up and some bar wrap and I'm going to put some miles on it..
This was how it looked the night I brought it home..
https://s225.photobucket.com/albums/d...ugeot%20PSN10/
This was how it looked the night I brought it home..
https://s225.photobucket.com/albums/d...ugeot%20PSN10/
12-16-08, 10:12 PM
#38
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100% bone stock with a lead weight Brooks Professional, Ad Hoc pump, Mafac tool kit, steel handlebars and tubulars, a 1972 PX10 weights 22.8 lbs.
I could easily get it in the 20.X range for $50.
The 70's bikes are expensive but the 80's bikes are very reasonable and very light.
Shaving 5 lbs off of a bike is alot different than losing 5lbs of body weight. Think of it this way....if you had to carry around a gallon of milk all day it would get to be a pain. But what if someone swapped out that gallon for a pint? You'd fell like the world was lifted from your shoulders.
Light bikes handle better, accellerate better, are more fun to ride. Its similar to driving a lightweight sportscar versus a heavy sportscar. My 3200lb Corvette handled differently depending if the tank was full or almost empty. Thats only a 100lb difference which isnt much when your looking at 3500 lbs with a driver and a full tank. I remember a customer commenting about switching to a Flite Titanium saddle. He said it changed the 'pendulum effect' when he was out of the seat and 'rocking' the bike.
I could easily get it in the 20.X range for $50.
The 70's bikes are expensive but the 80's bikes are very reasonable and very light.
Shaving 5 lbs off of a bike is alot different than losing 5lbs of body weight. Think of it this way....if you had to carry around a gallon of milk all day it would get to be a pain. But what if someone swapped out that gallon for a pint? You'd fell like the world was lifted from your shoulders.
Light bikes handle better, accellerate better, are more fun to ride. Its similar to driving a lightweight sportscar versus a heavy sportscar. My 3200lb Corvette handled differently depending if the tank was full or almost empty. Thats only a 100lb difference which isnt much when your looking at 3500 lbs with a driver and a full tank. I remember a customer commenting about switching to a Flite Titanium saddle. He said it changed the 'pendulum effect' when he was out of the seat and 'rocking' the bike.
12-16-08, 10:13 PM
#39
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I got the raleigh, very nice ride, already getting upgradeitis lol, thanks for the help everyone
12-16-08, 10:37 PM
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12-16-08, 10:47 PM
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that paint job is sweeeet!
so i've got some aksiums laying around that i think i'm going to put on the raleigh to replace the mallard wheels that are on it, i've also got some ritchey bars that i can throw on, that ought to lighten it up a bit more
eventually i'm going to replace the ultegra group on my CF bike with sram, once i do that i think i'll put the ultegra on the raleigh, will be a pretty nice set up in a few months!
so i've got some aksiums laying around that i think i'm going to put on the raleigh to replace the mallard wheels that are on it, i've also got some ritchey bars that i can throw on, that ought to lighten it up a bit more
eventually i'm going to replace the ultegra group on my CF bike with sram, once i do that i think i'll put the ultegra on the raleigh, will be a pretty nice set up in a few months!
12-16-08, 10:57 PM
#42
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I just picked up a Peugeot PSN10 with the Super Vitus 980 frame (58cm, full Campy Triomphe group). I haven't weighed it yet , but I know this can't be over 20 lbs. ready to ride. It's getting a tune-up and some bar wrap and I'm going to put some miles on it..
This was how it looked the night I brought it home..
https://s225.photobucket.com/albums/d...ugeot%20PSN10/
This was how it looked the night I brought it home..
https://s225.photobucket.com/albums/d...ugeot%20PSN10/
12-16-08, 11:48 PM
#43
WV is not flat..
Well, this one I got lucky with. I found it at a thrift store for $25. They don't come along every day, but if you're patient you'll find one..
12-17-08, 04:31 AM
#45
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Congrats on the new bike!
12-17-08, 06:02 AM
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In Peugeot speak 'E' means either 'different than' or it refers to clear coating of the chrome and 'L' is for 'Lux' or luxery
'LE' translates to 'more luxurious with chrome clear coating' or a 'different specification thats more luxurious'.
Back on topic.....Late 80's and early 90's Kleins can be had for reasonable prices.
12-17-08, 11:04 PM
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12-18-08, 12:56 AM
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Advice:
When all is said and done, a PX-10E that fits you for around $600 (if you can find this deal) is a pretty good buy, because they are super rides, light, and can take fenders and luggage racks when you decide you'll need them. Just keep up with the lubrication of all those nice old French parts. Keep looking.
Road Fan
When all is said and done, a PX-10E that fits you for around $600 (if you can find this deal) is a pretty good buy, because they are super rides, light, and can take fenders and luggage racks when you decide you'll need them. Just keep up with the lubrication of all those nice old French parts. Keep looking.
Road Fan
I'm looking for a bike with all these qualities but not French. I've heard, and your last comment seems to confirm, that they needs lots of love. Are there other models with these qualities but without the maint. issues.. oh and they'd have to come in small size too. Heh, I'm not asking for too much am I?
12-18-08, 01:36 AM
#49
Bicycle Repair Man !!!
I found this R531 1973 Raleigh / Carlton Gran Sport in a thrift shop for $10.00... I rebuilt it with a full Shimano 600 Arabesque group except for the Dura Ace centre pulls (heavy), Rigida/ Maillard wheels, used uber light 27 inch Avocet tt 30 folding tyres, and kept the original stem and bars.
With the Lycette saddle it weighs just over 22 pounds and figure the leather saddle's extra weight is well worth it as it is unbelievably comfortable.
With the Lycette saddle it weighs just over 22 pounds and figure the leather saddle's extra weight is well worth it as it is unbelievably comfortable.
12-18-08, 01:41 AM
#50
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Lightweight, vintage, european road bike says Vitus or Alan aluminum to me. Especially if you don't want to spend a lot.