Vintage commuters
#1
Vintage commuters
Hi all, hanging around this area, in about a year, I have went from newbie, to hardcore, 5 days a week commuter, rain or shine!
With that said, I just noticed how I be switching up on which bike. Like this morning, I just put some slick looking new tires on my Cannondale, and was going to ride that, but changed at the last minute and got the Centurion Master.. Oh boy, all of them give me joy. I slap lights on all my bike, no bags, I carry a backpack. I always keep two or three complete changes of clothes at work, and my bikes do come inside with me.. On my last 3 commutes, I rode three different bikes. BTW, vintage stuff don't cost that much either!!
And the lights I have on these bikes, kill. When I come out it is dark, and lately when I return, it is dark, so I have to have killer lights, that don't look out of place on my bikes. 
The ride this morning was cold, and I move swiftly.. At my breakfast stop, I peeled off two layers.
I am on the Centurion Master today..

The lights up front and a Planet Bike SuperFlash Turbo on the rear of bike and helmet..
Like I said, my bikes are cheapos..

Use this one the day before,

And before that, this one...
With that said, I just noticed how I be switching up on which bike. Like this morning, I just put some slick looking new tires on my Cannondale, and was going to ride that, but changed at the last minute and got the Centurion Master.. Oh boy, all of them give me joy. I slap lights on all my bike, no bags, I carry a backpack. I always keep two or three complete changes of clothes at work, and my bikes do come inside with me.. On my last 3 commutes, I rode three different bikes. BTW, vintage stuff don't cost that much either!!
And the lights I have on these bikes, kill. When I come out it is dark, and lately when I return, it is dark, so I have to have killer lights, that don't look out of place on my bikes. 
The ride this morning was cold, and I move swiftly.. At my breakfast stop, I peeled off two layers.

I am on the Centurion Master today..


The lights up front and a Planet Bike SuperFlash Turbo on the rear of bike and helmet..
Like I said, my bikes are cheapos..


Use this one the day before,

And before that, this one...
#2
Have bike, will travel
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 12,286
Likes: 317
From: Lake Geneva, WI
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
Vintage Sports/Touring bikes are first rate commuters;
__________________
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.
#3
The Left Coast, USA
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,757
Likes: 25
Bikes: Bulls, Bianchi, Koga, Trek, Miyata
For its 40th it did a century. For a present I gave it M13II rims, otherwise it's fairly stock; original chain. Miyata Racer, my daily rider. Note; the turkey wing brake system is Dura-Ace, and works perfectly.
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Last edited by FrenchFit; 11-28-12 at 09:42 AM.
#4
Fat Guy on a Little Bike


Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 15,946
Likes: 371
From: Philadelphia, PA
Bikes: Two wheeled ones
+1
This one is a little newer (1991), but I think it would cost a lot of money to get a modern bike of equal quality. It's not really a sports touring frame, but the build is sports tourer'ish.
This one is a little newer (1991), but I think it would cost a lot of money to get a modern bike of equal quality. It's not really a sports touring frame, but the build is sports tourer'ish.
Last edited by KonAaron Snake; 11-28-12 at 10:19 AM.
#5
curmudgineer
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 4,417
Likes: 113
From: Chicago SW burbs
Bikes: 2 many 2 fit here
I commute (or intend to) on all the bikes in my sig, in rotation. The Empire and the Raleigh are dissembled at the moment, awaiting final build. Preferred commute rides are the Versailles, FrankenCilo, & FrankenVega, due to forward storage helping with cargo distribution.
Versailles

Grand Jubilé

FrankenVega

Cilo
Versailles

Grand Jubilé

FrankenVega

Cilo
#6
#7
I commute (or intend to) on all the bikes in my sig, in rotation. The Empire and the Raleigh are dissembled at the moment, awaiting final build. Preferred commute rides are the Versailles, FrankenCilo, & FrankenVega, due to forward storage helping with cargo distribution.
Versailles

Grand Jubilé

FrankenVega

Cilo

Versailles

Grand Jubilé

FrankenVega

Cilo


Here in America, our customs are that we marry ONE wife.
Okay, we deal with that, but when it comes to bikes, we can have a harem!! And each one of the bikes gives you a special joy...
Tell me life isn't sweet..
#8
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 740
Likes: 2
From: Ohio
Bikes: 1973 Mercian Pro, 1972-73 Peugeot Track, 1983 Lotus Competition, Early 1970s Bottecchia Pro/Giro, 2000 Bob Jackson Special Tourist, 2011 Rivendell A. Homer Hilsen; 1996 Franklin custom
1973 Mercian Professional, I'm the original owner. Try to commute with it every other week or so.

2000 Bob Jackson Special Tourist. I do about 45% of my commuting on this.

2011 Riv AHH. Not vintage, but a "keeper of the flame." I do about 45% of my commuting on this one.

1983 Raleigh Portage with 650B wheels. I got this a couple of months ago and have commuted on it but not regularly:

2000 Bob Jackson Special Tourist. I do about 45% of my commuting on this.

2011 Riv AHH. Not vintage, but a "keeper of the flame." I do about 45% of my commuting on this one.

1983 Raleigh Portage with 650B wheels. I got this a couple of months ago and have commuted on it but not regularly:
#9
#10
Half way there
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1,109
Likes: 1
From: Durham, NC
Bikes: 69 Hercules, 73 Raleigh Sports, 74 Raliegh Competition, 78 Nishiki Professional, 79 Nishiki International, 83 Colnago Super, 83 Viner Junior
My "new" regular commuting bike is only forty years old - a 1972 Raleigh Super Course.

On days when I don't have to worry about rain or toting a lot of stuff, I ride this 1978 Nishiki Professional. I had it set up as a SS "Path Racer" but it now back to the original 10 speed configuration.

On days when I don't have to worry about rain or toting a lot of stuff, I ride this 1978 Nishiki Professional. I had it set up as a SS "Path Racer" but it now back to the original 10 speed configuration.
#12
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 4,599
Likes: 158
From: Santa Fe, NM
Bikes: Vassago Moosknuckle Ti 29+ XTR, 90's Merckx Corsa-01 9sp Record, PROJECT: 1954 Frejus SuperCorsa
Until I sold it this Summer, I got great joy from riding my highly modified Marinoni on fair weather days, frequently adding side trips along the way to add distance and elevation.
Here it is in its Alfine 8 and 700x32 guise. I would swap for my Conti GP 4 season 25's for more sporty riding.
Here it is in its Alfine 8 and 700x32 guise. I would swap for my Conti GP 4 season 25's for more sporty riding.
Last edited by canyoneagle; 11-28-12 at 01:43 PM.
#13
Senior Member

Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 22,676
Likes: 2,642
From: CID
Bikes: 1991 Bianchi Eros, 1964 Armstrong, 1988 Diamondback Ascent, 1988 Bianchi Premio, 1987 Bianchi Sport SX, 1980s Raleigh mixte (hers), All-City Space Horse (hers)
#14
#15
Senior Member

Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 8,162
Likes: 647
From: Brooklyn NY
Bikes: Kuota Kredo/Chorus, Trek 7000 commuter, Trek 8000 MTB and a few others
I saw an all Campy Masi from the 80s this morning being used as a commuter. I commented about it to the rider and told her it was older than she was. I don't think she had any idea what she had, except that it was fast.
#16
Fat Guy on a Little Bike


Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 15,946
Likes: 371
From: Philadelphia, PA
Bikes: Two wheeled ones
Zacster - I see that frequently. I bought a Grandis from someone like that.
i plan on using this as an occasional commuter -
i plan on using this as an occasional commuter -
#18
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Can anyone tell me what year and model this bike is?? all i know is that its a FUJI..
also on both derailers and fork it says SUNTOUR engraved on them.
SerialNumber:JB112548
Photo:https://i1281.photobucket.com/albums/...125_153905.jpg
also on both derailers and fork it says SUNTOUR engraved on them.
SerialNumber:JB112548
Photo:https://i1281.photobucket.com/albums/...125_153905.jpg
#19
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
starvingmarvin
Can anyone tell me what year and model this bike is?? all i know is that its a FUJI..
also on both derailers and fork it says SUNTOUR engraved on them.
SerialNumber:JB112548
Photo:https://i1281.photobucket.com/albums/...125_153905.jpg
Can anyone tell me what year and model this bike is?? all i know is that its a FUJI..
also on both derailers and fork it says SUNTOUR engraved on them.
SerialNumber:JB112548
Photo:https://i1281.photobucket.com/albums/...125_153905.jpg
#20
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,643
Likes: 68
From: Portland OR
Bikes: 61 Bianchi Specialissima 71 Peugeot G50 7? P'geot PX10 74 Raleigh GranSport 75 P'geot UO8 78? Raleigh Team Pro 82 P'geot PSV 86 P'geot PX 91 Bridgestone MB0 92 B'stone XO1 97 Rans VRex 92 Cannondale R1000 94 B'stone MB5 97 Vitus 997
My regular commuter is a 1982 Peugeot PSVN. It has changed since the picture below. Different wheels, derailleurs, saddle; Raceblade fenders; lights.
I sometimes think I should rotate with another bike. I used to commute on a mountain bike with slicks, full fenders, rack, pannier. But the Peugeot is so much faster, I use it exclusively now.
I sometimes think I should rotate with another bike. I used to commute on a mountain bike with slicks, full fenders, rack, pannier. But the Peugeot is so much faster, I use it exclusively now.
#22
My regular commuter is a 1982 Peugeot PSVN. It has changed since the picture below. Different wheels, derailleurs, saddle; Raceblade fenders; lights.
I sometimes think I should rotate with another bike. I used to commute on a mountain bike with slicks, full fenders, rack, pannier. But the Peugeot is so much faster, I use it exclusively now.

I sometimes think I should rotate with another bike. I used to commute on a mountain bike with slicks, full fenders, rack, pannier. But the Peugeot is so much faster, I use it exclusively now.

Sweet looking bike..

I always get a kick when I hit the subway, and people see me running toward the stairs and in one motion, I grabbed the bike, and proceed to run up the stairs.. I fly coming down the stairs..
It looks like I am going to have to add a Peugeot to my stable too..
#23
Senior Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 8,896
Likes: 7
From: Raleigh, NC
Bikes: Waterford RST-22, Bob Jackson World Tour, Ritchey Breakaway Cross, Soma Saga, De Bernardi SL, Specialized Sequoia
One of my commuter bikes is a De Bernardi steel lugged frame of classic construction, although I don't know what year it was built. I bought the frame new, but it had hung in a bike shop for a long time. It was my main commuter for 2+ years but I now commute mainly on newer sport touring bikes that have mounts for fenders and racks and room for larger tires. Still ride the De Be about 1-2 days a week, however.
#24
You gonna eat that?
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,917
Likes: 543
From: Fort Worth, Texas Church of Hopeful Uncertainty
Bikes: 1966 Raleigh DL-1 Tourist, 1973 Schwinn Varsity, 1983 Raleigh Marathon, 1994 Nishiki Sport XRS
The commuter I built up is almost vintage; it started out as a 1994 Nishiki hybrid, but now it looks a lot like the touring bikes on this thread.

I used to use my 183 Raleigh Marathon as a commuter too.

I used to use my 183 Raleigh Marathon as a commuter too.
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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."
I stop for people / whose right of way I honor / but not for no one.
"However, it's never a good idea to overgeneralize."
Last edited by Doohickie; 11-30-12 at 11:40 AM.





