Retro newcomer - which bike?

[dirttorpedo]

That’s the problem, not sure what bike I should be looking for: reputable brand or bespoke model, lightweight, reliable, 10+ speed - but that still leaves a dazzling list of options. Maybe I should let fate/heart play its part and see what comes up? Just been looking at a Raleigh Quadra - seems to hit most of those buttons? Enjoying the hunt and appreciate everybody’s contributions!

I was thinking more along the lines of touring bike, sport touring bike, racing bike, randonneur, etc. Once you figure that out you can start looking at the market and seeing what's out there. Then you can start thinking about frame quality/components and the whole mass produced vs bespoke question.

Personally I'd look for a touring bike or a sport touring bike and I'd want at least a 531 or equivalent cromolly frame. I'd also look at something that's has 130mm rear spacing so you can use a modern cluster and hopefully dual pivot brakes. Unless you want the real vintage experience.

 

[Ian J]

I know someone that has a Hanson (South African builder) in 21" for sale paintwork is tired. Rare over here.

I understand they are fine and indeed rare, with Columbus tubing mostly?

 

[Guinessisgoodforyou]

I understand they are fine and indeed rare, with Columbus tubing mostly?

It is just a framest, not sure of the material. I can ask if you're interested?

 

[Ian J]

I was thinking more along the lines of touring bike, sport touring bike, racing bike, randonneur, etc. Once you figure that out you can start looking at the market and seeing what's out there. Then you can start thinking about frame quality/components and the whole mass produced vs bespoke question.

Personally I'd look for a touring bike or a sport touring bike and I'd want at least a 531 or equivalent cromolly frame. I'd also look at something that's has 130mm rear spacing so you can use a modern cluster and hopefully dual pivot brakes. Unless you want the real vintage experience.

Ah, I understand. Despite my age I‘m okay with race geometry, my main summer ride is a Planet X Spitfire and also have a Fuji Feather single speed. I would probably prefer originality over being able to accommodate a modern cluster/brakes as I guess I am looking for the vintage experience, given that I have other bikes that are better performers. Really good point though about the rear spacing. So, probably sport touring or race bike? Finding 531 or equivalent at a good price point locally seems to be a challenge, I may have to adjust the budget…I’m in no great rush and the hunt is part of the fun? I’m struggling to get answers from sellers at the moment when I’ve asked questions about sizing and frame materials, but the current shortlist includes a Concorde Colombo, Raleigh Quadra, Raleigh Kellogg’s Pro Tour…With my current budget, a certain amount of cosmetic patina is to be expected. Really appreciate everybody’s contributions!

 

[Ian J]

It is just a framest, not sure of the material. I can ask if you're interested?

Will park this one for the moment but may come back to you at some point - may become one of my n+1 options (!) but many thanks for your help!

 

[dirttorpedo]

Ah, I understand. Despite my age I‘m okay with race geometry, my main summer ride is a Planet X Spitfire and also have a Fuji Feather single speed. I would probably prefer originality over being able to accommodate a modern cluster/brakes as I guess I am looking for the vintage experience, given that I have other bikes that are better performers. Really good point though about the rear spacing. So, probably sport touring or race bike? Finding 531 or equivalent at a good price point locally seems to be a challenge, I may have to adjust the budget…I’m in no great rush and the hunt is part of the fun? I’m struggling to get answers from sellers at the moment when I’ve asked questions about sizing and frame materials, but the current shortlist includes a Concorde Colombo, Raleigh Quadra, Raleigh Kellogg’s Pro Tour…With my current budget, a certain amount of cosmetic patina is to be expected. Really appreciate everybody’s contributions!

I like Sport Touring bikes - more clearance for fatter tires and they tend to come with brazeons for fenders and racks. You can definitely get some made with decent tubing.

Around brands (now I'm in North America for context) I'd consider looking at Asian manufactured bikes. The prices will be better, Asian tubing was just as good as European tubing, and those 70's and 80's Japanese bikes were well built (some people say the Japanese Bianchi's were better than the Italian ones).

Another thing to think about is that sizing / geometry of vintage bikes from the 70's / early 80's is different than late 80's / 90's. for example at 6'1" I ride a 24 inch (61cm) early 80's frame and a 58 cm modern frame. I have tossed a longer seatpost and stem on a 23 inch vintage frame to make it fit, but it looks odd. The standard in the 70's/80's of a properly fitting bike was a fist full of seatpost - anything else looks a bit off.

 

[Ian J]

I like Sport Touring bikes - more clearance for fatter tires and they tend to come with brazeons for fenders and racks. You can definitely get some made with decent tubing.

Around brands (now I'm in North America for context) I'd consider looking at Asian manufactured bikes. The prices will be better, Asian tubing was just as good as European tubing, and those 70's and 80's Japanese bikes were well built (some people say the Japanese Bianchi's were better than the Italian ones).

Another thing to think about is that sizing / geometry of vintage bikes from the 70's / early 80's is different than late 80's / 90's. for example at 6'1" I ride a 24 inch (61cm) early 80's frame and a 58 cm modern frame. I have tossed a longer seatpost and stem on a 23 inch vintage frame to make it fit, but it looks odd. The standard in the 70's/80's of a properly fitting bike was a fist full of seatpost - anything else looks a bit off.

Many thanks for your thoughts on this, very helpful! Interesting what you say about Asian/Japanese manufactured bikes. I am far more familiar with vintage typewriters at the moment and the same observation can be made about the manufacture of smaller portable typewriters of this era - Silver Seiko and Brother beat the Western offerings of the 60s and 70s on both quality and price. I suspect Japanese bikes are more easily found in North America, although I’ve just been looking at a Centurion (model unknown) online.
I’m using my Fuji Feather as a sizing guide as it has a more classic geometry (54cm size and measures as 20” on the seatpost) so I‘m considering anything sized at 20” or 21” but will aim to try before I buy. I was once 5’ 10” but have shrunk over the years to nearer 5’ 8”…!?

 

[hamster]

Far fewer older Asian bikes in the UK, if it's a tourer or audax-y sort of thing then Mercian, Roberts, Evans, M.Steel / Yates would be my starting points. Tony Oliver would be a treat but they don't come up often.

This looks yummy, if a little pricey: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/285233415581?hash=item42693c859d:g:qoIAAOSwdQNkDoxW

 

[Ian J]

Far fewer older Asian bikes in the UK, if it's a tourer or audax-y sort of thing then Mercian, Roberts, Evans, M.Steel / Yates would be my starting points. Tony Oliver would be a treat but they don't come up often.

This looks yummy, if a little pricey: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/285233415581?hash=item42693c859d:g:qoIAAOSwdQNkDoxW

Immediately spotted two more Asian bikes after I last replied…but they are indeed pretty rare over here. Planning a trip to a local vintage bike specialist in a few weeks but in the meantime have shortlisted a restored Roy Thame and a mystery chromed European bike for a closer look when back from a holiday. The Roberts frame looks lovely but yes, pricey (and twice the price of each of the bikes previously mentioned). The seller of the mystery bike has offered a price reduction if the buyer can identify the make…intriguing!