rgh

I have been searching online for a "classic" bicycle for my wife and, although I have found some beautiful bikes, I am a bit puzzled. I have been impressed by the number of new retro-style bicycles that are available-many of them quite affordable- and I am torn between the potential problems of maintaining an old bike and the possible quality issues of buying an inexpensive new bike. The style is important to her but the bike needs to be practical for somewhat longer rides too (10 -30 miles). She loves the look of the old Dutch bikes and some of the old cruisers, but they both strike me as being heavy and cumbersome for longer rides and, being the guy who has to keep it running, I am bit intimidated by the potential repairs. Any advice would be appreciated!

iab

Depends.

If it is the occasional weekend ride, I'd say vintage is fine. I used to have an everyday vintage commuter (round trip of 25 miles). It required a lot of maintenance as I was putting about 3000 miles per year on it. It was too much work for me so I bought a new commuter that i beat on and it requires little work.

Also, I doubt a Dutch citybike would be good for any ride over 10 miles. They are fine for short flat rides with maybe a small hill but over 10 miles you will have several hills where gears will be most appreciated.

rgh

Thanks aib,

I tuned up my father in law's new Dutch bike the last time we visited them in Germany and had my first chance to ride one. Definitely solid. I think I could have rode it through a wall with minimal damage!

One thought I had was to retrofit an older bike with newer gearing. I am fairly mechanically inclined but I am afraid I would get in over my head.

Have you had any experience with the newer "classics"?

iab

What about a citybike with a Sturmey Archer 7-speed internal-gear hub? You would need to only swap out the wheel and add a shift lever.

TimmyT 

Those old-style new bikes look great and have a ton of features. That said, I've become even more skeptical of low-end shifters, hubs, levers, etc. If it were me, I'd stay away from the low end of the pack and head for something mid to upper range. A lot of the Batavus and look-a-likes are very nice and seem to be at reasonable prices. They come in various geared flavors including SA hubs.

As for vintage, I think that there's a lot of ground there --- some of it very good for the dollar. In the past month, I've ridden my 1980 Fuji over 500 miles without incident. I spent a lot of time getting it dialed in initially, and I'm religious about the basic maintenance, particularly the chain/cassette and tire pressure. The problem here is that you'd have to spend some time searching for the right bike that meets your wife's criteria.

So, it's up to you, but a decent vintage bike can be a lot less maintenance than a lower end new bike.

stonefree

Maintaining an old vintage bike is the same as maintaining a new bike, but you spent a lot less to acquire it. Old bikes are proven products.

seypat

+1 to what he said. If it has bearings, chains and gears it will have to be maintained no matter the age.

Velognome 

Vintage frame with new components....best of both worlds?

I'm in the midst of building up a 1920 Rudge Loop with new SA Drum brake hubs and 3 speed and I've seen many others who have done the same, there is a Tread on the topic too.

rgh

Okay,
So I have been checking out the local used bike shops and have found a couple interesting rides. At this point, I am favoring an old Humber that is in need of a lot of work. I would have the shop restore it for me... I have far too many unfinished projects.

I am still a bit torn though. I would want to make a few changes to the bike and it may not be such a bargain in the end. I like the idea of installing a SA 7 speed hub, and, among other minor parts, the original saddle needs to be replaced. Seems a shame to alter the bike but it would certainly be more practical. The bike has an interesting history. Apparently it was used on a long expedition though the middle East decades ago.

My wife likes the look of the new Republic bikes as well. Anyone had experience with these? I saw a thread that was not too complimentary but it was directed more toward Fixies.

Snydermann

The correct answer is buy one (or more) of each.

Ride both (all) the bikes over time and then sell the one you like the least.

A vintage bike already has the depreciation built in. The value for the dollar can be much higher than buying a new bike. The last bike I bought cost $895.00 new in 1987, that's $1695.00 in 2010 dollars. I paid only a tiny percentage of that price. Do you really need the "features" of a new bike, if you think about it, probably not.

irwin7638

If she likes the"old" style but is looking for longer rides she might like a vintage mixte.
They were sold for decades as the ladie's touring model.

'76 Raliegh Gran Prix

2010 Soma Buena Vista

Marc

rootboy 

Yes, and one will cost you about 5 times what the other will, if price is a consideration. Plenty of old women's "cruiser" bikes out there, and parts are generally readily available. Heavy? Yes. But weight may not be the prime factor in choosing a casual rider or cruising bike. If she's interested in speed and performance, I would look elsewhere. If she just likes to ride, slowly and comfortably, an old Raleigh Sprite or something similar might be just the ticket.

jet sanchEz

Yup, mixtes sound like they are right up your alley. I have personally ridden a mixte 35kms and didn't have a worry in the world about it. In fact, it was quite comfy.

rgh

Price is definitely an obstacle. I started my quest looking at Batavas and Velorbus but quickly ruled them out...mainly for price reasons. The Raleigh might be a good option. I saw a similar one in a shop that had been nicely cleaned up. There were a lot of dings in the paint though and they really stuck out on the white finish. $600 seemed a bit steep too... not that I wouldn't pay that for the right bike.

Am I crazy to take on the Humber? I'm kind of a history nut.

rgh

Excuse my ignorance. What exactly is a Mixte?

treebound 

Definition of a mixte:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mixte#Mixte

You might want to get quotes from the shop before you commit to the purchase. Repairs, restorations, conversions, upgrades, all can add a lot of cost very quickly, especially if you have to factor in a shop's labor rate as well.

Sometimes it does help to know roughly where someone is located, at least what country or state, it does help people here reply with better suggestions. Options in Denmark are different than options in Milwaukee Wisconsin.

Here's a link to a 1950's Humber, is this the sort of bike you're looking for?
https://www.theoldbicycleshowroom.co....cle-1899-p.asp

Veloria

This is a constant topic of discussion between female readers of my blog (see signature below). Classic modern bikes can be 10 times more expensive than vintage finds, and are often less comfortable and slower than a simple 3-speed Raleigh Ladies Sports step-through. Here is a post about it that may be helpful, with some interesting and useful comments from readers as well.

Re Dutch bikes: mileage is not a problem on them. I've ridden 30+ miles on a few, and as long as the hills are moderate they are fine. They are heavy though to drag in and out of the house.

Re mixtes: They are cute to look at, but beware that many women find them uncomfortable once they actually own one. This is a common theme with my readers, especially when it comes to vintage mixtes.

As far as well-made, classic modern bikes, if you have $1,500+ to spend one crowdpleaser seems to be Retrovelo. Faster and a bit lighter than a Dutch bike, but easy to ride and with very cushy tires.

JohnDThompson 

Although I'm not female, I agree 100% with the post on your blog. I built this bike up for my daughter's 21st birthday:



It came to me as a bare frame and mudguards, and I probably have less than $150 invested in it so far. I plan to rebuild the wheels with aluminum rims this winter to get better braking performance.

Veloria

See also the RideBlog, written by "snarkypup" who is a member here. She had a Raleigh Sports, then also bought a modern bike (Viva Kilo - Danish), but ended up selling the latter b/c the vintage Raleigh was faster and just as comf.

I think Raleigh really did something right with that model as far as combining comfort and speed. I've tried loads of vintage and modern transport bikes at this point and there is nothing quite like it except maybe "my" Bella Ciao Superba. But the old Raleigh 3-speeds are a good value all around, if you can find one in decent condition and your lady's size.

hamanu23

https://kpr.craigslist.org/bik/2634302057.html


Raleigh 001 by Lucas James 78, on Flickr

Raleigh 004 by Lucas James 78, on Flickr

Raleigh 003 by Lucas James 78, on Flickr

JohnDThompson 

In addition, they simply exude "cool." We always get lots of comments when we ride our old Raleigh 3-speeds.

rudypyatt

I'll vouch for the Raleigh cool factor. Hardly a week goes by when I don't see someone riding a vintage Raleigh 3-speed and tell them how cool it is; happened again just yesterday.

Saying that, you might also consider the equivalent vintage models by Schwinn, the Breeze, Racer, Traveller and Speedster 3-speeds. https://oldroads.com/pqdb_img.asp?p=F...er&mak=Schwinn All use the SA AW 3-speed hub. I did a 30 mile ride on my Speedster last month; quite comfortable, and very speedy (if you'll pardon the pun). They're pretty common from what I understand, and I've seen three others in my neighborhood.

The one in the picture linked above is a cleaner, "mintier" version of my bike. Same color even, but I have a front basket. Mine was rescued from abandonment on a rack in front of my apartment building for three years, unmoving, gathering surface rust and with airless tires, bent handlebars and a tacoed front wheel. The sanitation department was going to cut it loose and dump it. But the thing was fundamentally sound, and it only took $130 for my local shop to make it road worthy again (tune up, new front wheel and tire, brake pads, handlebars, grips and general cleaning). I've seen them advertised for as much as $350 in mint condition, but even that is a very reasonable price.

If you want to buy "new" vintage, Schwinn has modern versions of these bikes, the Coffee and Cream. They use Shimano Nexus 3-speed hubs:

https://www.schwinnbikes.com/bikes/ur...-3-speed-14287

You might also consider a Worksman Cycles light duty "Dutchie" or one of Bowery Lane's 3-speed models (Worksman, which has been at it since 1898 right here in Queens, NY, builds these for Bowery Lane), both of which use the classic Sturmey Archer AW 3-speed:

https://worksmancycles.com/shopsite_s...ml/page63.html

https://www.bowerylanebicycles.com/

Hope this gives you some useful ideas. And Veloria, I read your blog all the time and really enjoy it.

Road Fan

Versus most of the three-speeds that have existed, I'd go for the sprightly feel (and reality) of a Raleigh Sports or other English three-speed of the '60s and '70s over a Schwinn, Vista, Columbia, or nearly anythign else. I don't think anyone did it better, and the price is usually as right as can be. Snarkypup had one upgraded with alloy rims, and I can only imagine how nice that is. Back in high school I rode 20-milers countless times on a drop bar-equipped Birmingham-made late-50s 3-speed, and it was a wonderful ride. When I upgraded to 10 speeds, I didn't find as nice a ride until getting a '60s Rossignoli, and not bettering that until my current 1983 Mondonico and 1980 Masi Gran Criterium. I've rebuilt and test-rode three-speeds from Schwinn (a 1954 Traveller) and Vista, and a recent Raleigh ladies Sport 1970, and the Raleigh rode and adjusted exactly as I recall my old one.

Schwinn is not a substitute for Raleigh, totally different (cushy but sluggish) ride experience, rolling inexorably over anything in its path, and resistant to path changes. For 30-milers, get a Raleigh or other English 3-speed for her. Or a mixte, but you'll probably have to build it up yourself to make it a smooth, fast machine. However, most Raleighs will benefit from a bearing overhaul, spoke touch-up, and full cable lubing. Think twice about opening the BB if it doesn't have an obvios problem or you are insecure about cotter pins. There are people who know how to handle them correctly. Many of us here can advise you.

Don't lose or destroy any of the fasteners on an old Raleigh! They are often special.

Can't say much about modern Schwinns. They're nowhere near the same company they were. Somebody just owns the brand, and sources hardware from available and affordable suppliers.

753proguy

That Humber sounds like a bad (and very expensive, eventually) idea to me. Just sayin'....

brianinc-ville

Agreed -- if you're going to go vintage, you'll also need to do the work yourself. By the time you pay somebody to upgrade the hub (and the rims, while you're at it), it'll cost you at least as much as a modern bike of the same type. If your area doesn't have many hills, though, the original 3-speed should be fine.

Also, let me tell you my experience: not to stereotype too much, but it's pretty common around here to find guys who like to mess with old machines, partnered with ladies who just like something that looks good and works well. I had my wife riding vintage bikes for many years (mostly my mom's 1961 Atala), but she's actually much, much happier with her 2007 Breezer Uptown 8. It doesn't give me much to tinker with, but it's totally solid. If she likes city-style bikes, I'd say start looking for a used Breezer. For around $400 you'll get a pretty much flawless city machine with an 8-speed rear hub, a generator front hub, and modern LED dynamo lights; you couldn't possibly build up a comparable vintage bike for that price, even if you did all the work yourself.

I set up a Google Alert for "Craigslist Breezer Uptown 8" and it took me about a month to find one in one of the three or four cities where I have friends/family who could go pick it up.