Best First Retrobike?

[T99]

Hi everyone,
Been lurking here for a year now :roll: admiring all of the wonderful bikes and restorations on here and was wondering what you guys would suggest as the best first retrobike? I have very limited funds due to another build (which will be finished soon) so anything around the £100 mark is perfect I just need suggestions of what to look for to get the best bang for buck and get my feet wet in the retrobiking world
I have read John's article about buying retrobikes more than once :facepalm: but want your opinion on what the best options are.
Cheers in advance
T

 

[raidan73]

Re:

Clockwork's a good one. Maybe a Kona, Dynatech, Marin. Even in the £100 bracket there will be options.

Really depends on what you looking for as there's big differences between bikes from the early 80's and those from the late 90's.

Welcome to the forum by the way

 

[coomber]

£100 would buy you a great first bike.

My bias opinion would say saracen, clockwork might sneak in that budget, should be able to get something from any brand you like for a ton, even if lower end model.

 

[T99]

Re:

Cheers guys I'll keep my eyes peeled!
I'm in no particular hurry tbh I just want to know what to look for when the time comes or in case I see a mega deal
Now I have to explain the n+1 rule to the rest of my family :roll:

 

[T99]

Re:

Thanks raidan, nice actually join as opposed to lurking

 

[Factory Jackson]

Yeah, plenty of options for around £100

Try having a look through EBay as mentioned at the likes of Marin, Kona, etc.

Something like these maybe?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Marin-Palisad ... 418d501637
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Kona-Lava-Dom ... 27f50acc6d

(neither mine by the way)

I would also recommend placing an ad in the Wanted section. At least here you may get some responses from reputable sources (not saying you wont on EBay, but members on here will tend to look out for each other).

Hope that helps
Chris

 

[T99]

Re:

Thanks Chris
Yeah I have seen lots of ads around, it just seems to be that there are lots of bikes that have similar groupsets (mainly STX/LX) but I feel like I might as well do my research just to gain the knowledge that when I pull the trigger I'm getting the best ride I can
I have to say that palisades trail is very tempting, shame I have no money right now :facepalm:

 

[cce]

One with personal significance to you.

 

[T99]

Re:

Sadly I'm too young to have a retrobike with any significance to me but thanks for the suggestion, I just love the lines and the way they look I actually feel nostalgic when looking at some retrobikes despite having absolutely no experience of them it's really weird

 

[makster]

Re:

What size do you need?