What do you look for in a vintage bike?

[peanutgallery]

Not like I will actually ride it, so 100% nostalgia from about the time my testes dropped. Totally un-ridable

Wall art...beautiful wall art

[Black Dog]

Originally Posted by prototoast

My general assumption is that people who collect vintage bikes generally go for the bikes that were new when they were 15 (give or take a few years). They're living out their childhood fantasies now that they're older and have more disposable income.

You are not entirely wrong. 😉

Jamesdak has the vintage style that I admire.

[jimbolina]

For myself, vintage-era road racing bicycles are typically more elegant in their overall aesthetics.

Often sleek, slim and graceful in their presentation. Ready to race! They usually appear quite light and agile, even if they’re actually not.

The cherry on top is how simple they are mechanically, and easy to work on and maintain. Even on the road, with a few strategic tools carried along.

These older, lugged-steel examples in particular, seem more durable and permanent.

I love all the assorted metals (aluminum, steel, sometimes titanium) and their shiny and matte appearances speak to me so much more than modern ‘plastic’ versions.

Frankly, I repulse at the use of composites on both bikes and vehicles. It just strikes me as ‘cheap’, even though intellectually I realize they can often be stronger, much lighter and generally better than many metals, given the circumstance.

But, will those composite varieties stick around and patina nicely, as many of the older steel rides typically do? (Many plastics don’t hold up to UV very well, for one thing, either).

But hey, that’s just me…

[classtimesailer]

I look for something that coulda-woulda been raced when new from the mid 80s or before. I’d like to spend some time in Europe which would make it easier to find my kind of bikes from the 50s and 60s.

[cnighbor1]

03/12/2022
1. No rust anywhere unless on a component I don't need
2. Paint
a. Needs new paint?
b. Doesn't need new paint?
3. Can I resell once I receive it ?
4. How period correct is the complete bicycle?
5. Do i really need it?
6. If the frame builder know throughout the bicycle collectors
7. Do Ireally just want just the frame?
8. How is the fit for me?
9. and more

[weisan]

This is my kind of "vintage" bike.
https://www.renehersecycles.com/1995...ning-the-tide/

I have one and that to me is more than enough.

[witcombusa]

Originally Posted by weisan

This is my kind of "vintage" bike.
https://www.renehersecycles.com/1995...ning-the-tide/

I have one and that to me is more than enough.

Rivendell hardly made steel 'cool' again. GP has his own ideas for sure but Waterford made these for them and would make whatever anyone else wanted to order. It's basically a remake of a 70's Euro stage bike with eyelets and braze ons. What's old is 'newer' again. Or if you prefer, what worked still works.

I'd personally prefer a Rene Herse frame built by Mark Nobilette when Mike Kone owned the name. They were stunning! Mark did some amazing work.

[B4_Ford]

Nostalgia is part of it. I’m drawn to celeste Bianchis purely because of a summer spent riding a borrowed Bianchi all over Marin County and San Francisco when I was 15. Most of the others that I pick up fall into either the category of bikes I wanted but couldn’t afford when they were new or bikes that I wasn’t really aware of when they were new.

Most “vintage” bikes I buy are either steel or titanium. I’ll buy the occasional aluminum Klein. Frame condition is of utmost importance. Rust or corrosion is a deal breaker. Paint condition matters. I’m not really interested in bikes that need a respray unless they’re truly something special. Condition of components is less important as I usually have enough spare parts on the shelf to put together an 11 speed mechanical build. Price matters. I’m not interested in paying thousands for something just because the seller mistakenly thinks they’re sitting on a gold mine. At the end of the day, I won’t buy a bike if I think I can’t eventually sell it and break even.

In summary, sentimental connection and/or “cool” factor, metal, frame and paint condition, and price.


I have bad ideas…

[buddybikes]

I had my nirvana in my hands, bought (for 275$! a circa 1972 Cinelli all Record group, silver with chromed lugs. No room in the house, had to sell :-(.

[sg8357]

Ellis Briggs, because Doug Fattic was there.
I have mid 50s EB (refurbished by Doug) and a 1986 EB.

Claud Butler New All Rounder 1954, original paint, bilaminated,
a real one since Claud was still alive,
and I got it from the estimable Tom A.

Bates Best All Rounder 1950s, Diadrant fork and Cantiflex tubes,
English oddness that works.

[witcombusa]

Originally Posted by steveandbarb1

I had my nirvana in my hands, bought (for 275$! a circa 1972 Cinelli all Record group, silver with chromed lugs. No room in the house, had to sell :-(.

I don't understand... there's always room for what's important!