Had my first retro ride in about 5 years yesterday..

[KeepItSteel]

And I can report the following observations:

1) Old steel bikes are noodly
2) Old steel bikes are hair raising when pointing down hill
3) Old steel bikes climb better than modern counterparts
D) 3x8 works like a blinkin charm
7) Canti's actually work well 99% of the time

I had a blast, climbed up everything easier than on my modern hardtails, but im beaten up today - rigid steel bikes make a man out of you!
Great stuff, moare please. I'll be keeping this one.

 

[themountie]

Re:

love the list that's what retro stands for hold on down hill and pray

 

[jimo746]

Re:

It can be surprising how good the retro bikes can be.
As long as you're not hurtling downhill.
Or tackling particularly rough terrain.
Or going particularly quickly.
Or need to stop in a hurry.
Other than that, like you say, they're a blast
I just feel happy to still be alive when I get off my retro bikes

 

[The History Man]

Certainly a more considered ride.

 

[KeepItSteel]

There was a moment on a sketchy flint laden downhill section where I realised my life was in the hands of some 22 year old components and a pair of canti brakes.

Needless to say my arms and hands are shagged today

 

[Mike Muz]

Re:

South Downs Way?

 

[Rodrigues]

5 years? What took you so long? :-D
Use it or lose it dude. Glad to hear you survived.

 

[kram245]

I really enjoy my Giant Anthem 29er , but there is something special about a steel retro non suspension bike . In fact the 94 Kona lava Dome is heading to Thetford tomorrow (-:

 

[KeepItSteel]

Re: Re:

South Downs Way?

Yep - up at Truleigh farm

5 years? What took you so long? :-D
Use it or lose it dude. Glad to hear you survived.

A switch to solely modern bikes, with their grippy tyres and incredibly efficient suspension. Picked up the Cinder Cone last week in a wave of nostalgia, glad I did

 

[tintin40]

Cool. Keep it rigid.