what do I want?

The Ken

MacRetro Rider
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I've decided I want a road bike, but I'm not sure what to look for. Please inspire me.

I think mid 90's would be interesting, carbon or Alu.

I really liked MadCowKev's Epic a few months back but it looked a bit big for me.

Also what frame size should I look for? I have an inside leg of 30-31inches (80cm) and I am about 5'7''
 
My ultimate retro road bike would be a PDM Concorde, early campag brifter groupo and a pair of shamals. Could also swap the frame for a Colnago master olympic.
 
I would agree - if you want a real classic road bike it has to be lugged steel and preferably 70's/80's or even 60s.

All the 90's aluminium stuff is not very inspiring.

Geometry would be traditional horizontal top tube so for you around 52cm - 54cm (21.5").

Have a look here for sizing:

http://www.prodigalchild.net/Bicycle6.htm
 
I don't really relate too much to road bikes, so my tastes are fairly non-exotic. A nice team replica Raleigh Banana would do me, 105 components are all I ever lusted after. Sad but true. Now, for something really retro, it would have to be a beautifully detailed lugged frame, with all the lugs detailed by hand...
 
Mid 90's is fairly early for Alu...I'd suggest a Cannondale if you really want Alu.

For a classy bike, then a Pinarello, Gios or Bianchi; or find a craft framebuilder UK one like a Roberts, Condor, Argos, Jackson, M.Steel, or Mercian (maybe a bit tourer-ish)

There are some nice old Litespeeds - craft built before Litespeed got bought up. Got one myself ;-)

Sizing wise I would suggest a 50-52cm frame. I'm similar height and run a 50. It does depend a lot on top tube length though. Many bikes in that size range have toe overlap over the front wheel.
 
If I were you, I'd commision LeGrandFromage to have a look down his tip..........

I'd go for Colnago, or other nice steel Italian..........much as I like my Klein Q, its lacking in that final special thang that a Colnag or Pinarello has. Think Indurain and Bugno, or Il Diablo stylee.

And Campagnolo gear, oh yes...............
 
Lysander":1dhlirb0 said:
If I were you, I'd commision LeGrandFromage to have a look down his tip..........



why thank you sir... :oops: ;)

Currently awaiting preparation:

1983 Motobecane Jubilee Sport (Vitus)

1987 Peugeot Comete (scary '80s aluminium)

'90s non descript Bianchi (steel)

1983 Peugeot PX10 (reynolds 531)

1999 Malc Cowle (reynolds 520)

1988 Raliegh Equipe (scaffolding)

all sitting there - waiting, watching, eager for their moment - I've kept all sharp objects away, just in case they get any ideas.

I had an early '90s cannodale R300 which was luvverly but would like something posh and itlalian or a GT triple triangle road frame.
 
legrandefromage":yj7ybns0 said:
Lysander":yj7ybns0 said:
If I were you, I'd commision LeGrandFromage to have a look down his tip..........



why thank you sir... :oops: ;)

Currently awaiting preparation:

1983 Motobecane Jubilee Sport (Vitus)

1987 Peugeot Comete (scary '80s aluminium)

'90s non descript Bianchi (steel)

1983 Peugeot PX10 (reynolds 531)

1999 Malc Cowle (reynolds 520)

1988 Raliegh Equipe (scaffolding)

all sitting there - waiting, watching, eager for their moment - I've kept all sharp objects away, just in case they get any ideas.

'90s non descript Bianchi (steel) if you ever think of selling let me know
 
TheGreenRabbit":3uerfx5y said:
legrandefromage":3uerfx5y said:
'90s non descript Bianchi (steel) if you ever think of selling let me know

It needs a total strip & repaint (celeste green?) and I'm sure its a very low end model (snake stays, hefty tubing etc).
 
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