It's 1986 or '87 or '88. What production road bike would you buy?
02-17-14, 07:41 AM
#1
Have bike, will travel
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Lake Geneva, WI
Posts: 12,284
Bikes: Ridley Helium SLX, Canyon Endurance SL, De Rosa Professional, Eddy Merckx Corsa Extra, Schwinn Paramount (1 painted, 1 chrome), Peugeot PX10, Serotta Nova X, Simoncini Cyclocross Special, Raleigh Roker, Pedal Force CG2 and CX2
Mentioned: 46 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 910 Post(s)
Liked 288 Times
in
158 Posts
It's 1986 or '87 or '88. What production road bike would you buy?
Enter the Way-back machine and go to 1986, 1987 or 1988. It's a great time for production road bikes. Campagnolo, Suntour and Shimano had great components and Reynolds, Columbus, Tange and others were producing a wide range of high quality tubesets. Downtube shifters kepts cost moderate and bike shops carried multiple brands from around the world.
What production road bike would you buy and why? "Production" is defined as produced in annual quantities greater than 250 units and distribution of the product made local purchases in 10 major markets possible.
What production road bike would you buy and why? "Production" is defined as produced in annual quantities greater than 250 units and distribution of the product made local purchases in 10 major markets possible.
__________________
When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
Last edited by Barrettscv; 02-17-14 at 09:43 AM.
02-17-14, 07:44 AM
#2
Hogosha Sekai
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: STS
Posts: 6,669
Bikes: Leader 725, Centurion Turbo, Scwhinn Peloton, Schwinn Premis, GT Tequesta, Bridgestone CB-2,72' Centurion Lemans, 72 Raleigh Competition
Mentioned: 19 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 70 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 21 Times
in
15 Posts
Just because I don't have one in my stable, Centurion Ironman or a Schwinn Prologue... Good call on the title change, that was a little 
before.
before.
02-17-14, 07:45 AM
#3
Senior Member
1987 de rosa professional slx
__________________
Semper fi
Semper fi
02-17-14, 08:12 AM
#7
Have bike, will travel
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Lake Geneva, WI
Posts: 12,284
Bikes: Ridley Helium SLX, Canyon Endurance SL, De Rosa Professional, Eddy Merckx Corsa Extra, Schwinn Paramount (1 painted, 1 chrome), Peugeot PX10, Serotta Nova X, Simoncini Cyclocross Special, Raleigh Roker, Pedal Force CG2 and CX2
Mentioned: 46 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 910 Post(s)
Liked 288 Times
in
158 Posts
__________________
When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
02-17-14, 08:18 AM
#8
Forum Moderator
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Kalamazoo MI
Posts: 20,647
Bikes: Fuji SL2.1 Carbon Di2 Cannondale Synapse Alloy 4 Trek Checkpoint ALR-5 Viscount Aerospace Pro Colnago Classic Rabobank Schwinn Waterford PMount Raleigh C50 Cromoly Hybrid Legnano Tipo Roma Pista
Mentioned: 58 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3089 Post(s)
Liked 6,589 Times
in
3,779 Posts
Oh, man. 1986-88 I was in my mid-late 20's. Making a decent living. But, there were very few good bikes shops nearby. So my choices would have to be pretty mainstream. I know, not über cool, but its what was available to me.
Touring - 1988 Miyata 1000. Triple butted goodness with Deore.
Racing - 1986 Trek 770. Reynolds 531 with Super Record.
Touring - 1988 Miyata 1000. Triple butted goodness with Deore.
Racing - 1986 Trek 770. Reynolds 531 with Super Record.
__________________
02-17-14, 08:23 AM
#9
Have bike, will travel
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Lake Geneva, WI
Posts: 12,284
Bikes: Ridley Helium SLX, Canyon Endurance SL, De Rosa Professional, Eddy Merckx Corsa Extra, Schwinn Paramount (1 painted, 1 chrome), Peugeot PX10, Serotta Nova X, Simoncini Cyclocross Special, Raleigh Roker, Pedal Force CG2 and CX2
Mentioned: 46 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 910 Post(s)
Liked 288 Times
in
158 Posts
Oh, man. 1986-88 I was in my mid-late 20's. Making a decent living. But, there were very few good bikes shops nearby. So my choices would have to be pretty mainstream. I know, not über cool, but its what was available to me.
Touring - 1988 Miyata 1000. Triple butted goodness with Deore.
Racing - 1986 Trek 770. Reynolds 531 with Super Record.
Touring - 1988 Miyata 1000. Triple butted goodness with Deore.
Racing - 1986 Trek 770. Reynolds 531 with Super Record.
__________________
When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
02-17-14, 08:34 AM
#10
Chainstay Brake Mafia
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: California
Posts: 6,007
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 16 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 11 Times
in
10 Posts
I wouldn't buy a road bike, I'd buy an 1988 Diamondback Axis
if forced to buy a road bike I'd buy an 88 Centurion Ironman Master with purple haze.. it would match the Axis too
if forced to buy a road bike I'd buy an 88 Centurion Ironman Master with purple haze.. it would match the Axis too
02-17-14, 08:47 AM
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: northern michigan
Posts: 13,317
Bikes: '77 Colnago Super, '76 Fuji The Finest, '88 Cannondale Criterium, '86 Trek 760, '87 Miyata 712
Mentioned: 19 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 659 Post(s)
Liked 595 Times
in
313 Posts
I would buy a dozen Cannondale Black Lightnings in each of those years. I could be shopping for beachfront property on Lake Michigan today.
02-17-14, 09:08 AM
#13
Hogosha Sekai
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: STS
Posts: 6,669
Bikes: Leader 725, Centurion Turbo, Scwhinn Peloton, Schwinn Premis, GT Tequesta, Bridgestone CB-2,72' Centurion Lemans, 72 Raleigh Competition
Mentioned: 19 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 70 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 21 Times
in
15 Posts
I've got an 84 Turbo, so not hurting for either.. but given the years for the criteria, definitely the short list is those two.
02-17-14, 09:16 AM
#15
What??? Only 2 wheels?
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Boston-ish, MA
Posts: 13,434
Bikes: 72 Peugeot UO-8, 82 Peugeot TH8, 87 Bianchi Brava, 76? Masi Grand Criterium, 74 Motobecane Champion Team, 86 & 77 Gazelle champion mondial, 81? Grandis, 82? Tommasini, 83 Peugeot PF10
Mentioned: 189 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1222 Post(s)
Liked 645 Times
in
232 Posts
Are we talking budget too? And is this with today's knowledge or with what we knew back in '87, '88, or '89?
I have '87 bikes that I really, really like. Why didn't I buy one back in '87? A. I didn't know. 2. I didn't have the budget.
I have '87 bikes that I really, really like. Why didn't I buy one back in '87? A. I didn't know. 2. I didn't have the budget.
__________________
Real cyclists use toe clips.
With great bikes comes great responsibility.
jimmuller
Real cyclists use toe clips.
With great bikes comes great responsibility.
jimmuller
02-17-14, 09:24 AM
#16
Senior Member
Several. But being of modest means, I'd be thinking Japanese - nothing exotic. Just a very good quality mid-upper bike. Lugged steel. I'll leave the high-end imports to those who would or could appreciate the differences between my choices and those expensive European Uber-bikes.
In '86 I have my 11 yr-old Fuji S-10S with all of the upgrades, but I think I'd like something a bit newer to tour on. Maybe a Fuji Touring IV or V, Miyata 610 or 1000, or Schwinn Voyageur. My budget would probably favor the IV or 610
For strictly faster pace club rides and such, probably a Club Fuji, Pro Miyata or 710, Schwinn Prelude - Note: again not the top of the line models.
I had never even heard of Univega until a couple of years ago, but if I found a LBS back in the day that carried the full line, I might be intrigued to the equivalent grade models to my other choices.
In '86 I have my 11 yr-old Fuji S-10S with all of the upgrades, but I think I'd like something a bit newer to tour on. Maybe a Fuji Touring IV or V, Miyata 610 or 1000, or Schwinn Voyageur. My budget would probably favor the IV or 610
For strictly faster pace club rides and such, probably a Club Fuji, Pro Miyata or 710, Schwinn Prelude - Note: again not the top of the line models.
I had never even heard of Univega until a couple of years ago, but if I found a LBS back in the day that carried the full line, I might be intrigued to the equivalent grade models to my other choices.
02-17-14, 09:27 AM
#17
Fat Guy on a Little Bike
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Posts: 15,944
Bikes: Two wheeled ones
Mentioned: 42 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1254 Post(s)
Liked 345 Times
in
174 Posts
Cool thread!
It really depends on how many bikes I have/can have. If I'm getting a roadie, and could afford it, this:
If I need an all arounder, probably something like this:
It really depends on how many bikes I have/can have. If I'm getting a roadie, and could afford it, this:
If I need an all arounder, probably something like this:
02-17-14, 09:28 AM
#18
smelling the roses
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Tixkokob, Yucatán, México
Posts: 15,320
Bikes: 79 Trek 930, 80 Trek 414, 84 Schwinn Letour Luxe (coupled), 92 Schwinn Paramount PDG 5
Mentioned: 104 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7081 Post(s)
Liked 901 Times
in
612 Posts
Just answer the question, Jim. It's as easy as shooting fish in a reservoir.
02-17-14, 09:31 AM
#19
What??? Only 2 wheels?
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Boston-ish, MA
Posts: 13,434
Bikes: 72 Peugeot UO-8, 82 Peugeot TH8, 87 Bianchi Brava, 76? Masi Grand Criterium, 74 Motobecane Champion Team, 86 & 77 Gazelle champion mondial, 81? Grandis, 82? Tommasini, 83 Peugeot PF10
Mentioned: 189 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1222 Post(s)
Liked 645 Times
in
232 Posts
If we mean 1987 I might have bought the Bianchi Brava I have today.
__________________
Real cyclists use toe clips.
With great bikes comes great responsibility.
jimmuller
Real cyclists use toe clips.
With great bikes comes great responsibility.
jimmuller
02-17-14, 09:42 AM
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Pennsyl-tuckey
Posts: 684
Bikes: '86 Cannondale SR400, '86 Pugeot PX10, '92 Bianchi Axis, '95 Bianchi Campione d'Italia, '00 Fondriest X-Status, '08 Specialized Roubaix, '13 Cannondale CAADX
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
It was '86, and I bought a Cannondale SR400. It was the best I could afford as a college Freshman. Upgraded a few times, I'm still riding it. I've since bought a Peugeot from that era, I've always admired the MAVIC gruppo. There were tons of great choices in the late 80's!
02-17-14, 09:45 AM
#21
Senior Member
1987 
The last production year of the ultra classic Campagnolo Super Record. The perfect combo for me would be that group on a Somec or Pinarello Montello.
The last production year of the ultra classic Campagnolo Super Record. The perfect combo for me would be that group on a Somec or Pinarello Montello.
02-17-14, 09:50 AM
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Austin,Texas
Posts: 801
Bikes: 73 Super Sport, 86 Tempo, 86 Peloton, 87 Super Sport, 83 Peugeot PFN10, 76 Super Course MK IV, 94 Univega Alpina 5.5
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 175 Post(s)
Liked 70 Times
in
34 Posts
I think it would be a Paramount, Peloton, or Prologue.
__________________
1973 Schwinn Super Sport
1986 Schwinn Peloton
1976 Raleigh Super Course Mk II(for wife)
1983 Gitane Super Corsa
1991 Trek 750 Multitrack
1973 Schwinn Super Sport
1986 Schwinn Peloton
1976 Raleigh Super Course Mk II(for wife)
1983 Gitane Super Corsa
1991 Trek 750 Multitrack
02-17-14, 09:58 AM
#23
Have bike, will travel
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Lake Geneva, WI
Posts: 12,284
Bikes: Ridley Helium SLX, Canyon Endurance SL, De Rosa Professional, Eddy Merckx Corsa Extra, Schwinn Paramount (1 painted, 1 chrome), Peugeot PX10, Serotta Nova X, Simoncini Cyclocross Special, Raleigh Roker, Pedal Force CG2 and CX2
Mentioned: 46 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 910 Post(s)
Liked 288 Times
in
158 Posts
The Paramount and Peloton would be in my top 5, too. Did they have the same frame?
__________________
When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
02-17-14, 10:00 AM
#24
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Queens NYC
Posts: 3,175
Bikes: Colnago Super, Basso Gap, Pogliaghi, Fabio Barecci, Torelli Pista, Miyata 1400A
Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 316 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 13 Times
in
13 Posts
Well, I love Italian bikes and I'm in love with my 86 Basso Gap, so yeah, that would be my choice.
The geometry combined with the SL frame is very racy and makes for a fast, nimble ride. I'd love to have Campy Super Record on it to. Basso's had some great two and three tone paint jobs that I'm fond of also. And the best part of the Basso is it's affordability compared to other Italian brands...
The geometry combined with the SL frame is very racy and makes for a fast, nimble ride. I'd love to have Campy Super Record on it to. Basso's had some great two and three tone paint jobs that I'm fond of also. And the best part of the Basso is it's affordability compared to other Italian brands...
__________________
It never gets easier, you just go faster. ~ Greg LeMond