The bike you SHOULD be riding......

[Peachy!]

My 1985 Canyon is by far my most comfortable Retro ATB/MTB although to be honest it's ride-ability especially off road would be massively improved by indexed gears rather than the friction thumbies and the Dear Head kit it has right now.




Will I ever change them? will I F**K!

 

[rwm1962]

I find all my P7's pretty comfortable to ride (& other similar geo Oranges) especially if I change the saddles. Most have age appropriate saddles & I can cope with them for a 10 mile or so ride.

Not retro as it's 2002 but it's same frame geometry as earlier versions & as it's a later one I've opted to build it for my needs as a bikepacking rig. Just finished changing the brakes from hydraulic disc to cable disc today so pic out of date. Rides like a dream on gravel tracks.

 

[doctor-bond]

@mk one ’s mention of classic cars earlier sparked a thought; rather than a false distinction between bikes you ought to ride but can’t, and one’s you like to ride but shouldn’t, the goal could be to create a rideable version of the racing classic - viz Jaguar XKSS vs D-Type

The SS still has the racing heart and sympathetic build, but is ’practical’, with seats, luggage rack, weather protection, etc.

 

[M_Chavez]

Sorry, can't see how I can fit my 3 weans into it.
Transporting a bike might also be problematic.
Will stick to my van.

 

[Prodigal Son]

@mk one ’s mention of classic cars earlier sparked a thought; rather than a false distinction between bikes you ought to ride but can’t, and one’s you like to ride but shouldn’t, the goal could be to create a rideable version of the racing classic - viz Jaguar XKSS vs D-Type

The SS still has the racing heart and sympathetic build, but is ’practical’, with seats, luggage rack, weather protection, etc.

View attachment 644149

View attachment 644150

S%&t! Beautifull...

 

[Guinessisgoodforyou]

Doctor Bond and Peachy, those are lovely bikes, this thread makes sense. What is the point of having a bike you don't/can't ride? I get historic bikes. I will never have the money for those, so mine must work. I'm not 25 anymore.

 

[legrandefromage]

The car analogy is very poor as by riding an older bicycle you really are doing something for the environment

 

[Tootyred]

Anyway they don't drive very well and the average 1.6 zetec turbo astra thingy will burn you up, cost 10% and do twice as many miles to a gallon......and with bugger all windscreen you won't be unable to see the road or the admiring looks as you sail by.......

 

[mk one]

probably more old bikes dumped in canals than cars though

I am currently building up an early Kona with modern parts, going singlespeed, wide bars and short stem, just to blast around on, again for a certain purpose. Nothing for me rides as well through my local singletrack as my race bikes, of course getting there and back can be a bit of a different experience, but there i feel lies an issue, compromise, which still raises its head even with todays bikes. Now i have modern bikes which are more all day comfortable, though not as fun on the singletrack, so for me it still is a decision based on what i am wanting from the ride.

I think as mentioned that people also collect for different reasons, whether that be preservation of memories or the bike itself. In that respect aesthetics play a big part in bikes i build and collect. I am sure my Ti Bolt would feel a bit more friendly with risers and bar ends, but no, just no!

 

[Woz]

What's this thread about again?

Are we / you saying you can't potter and pootle about on a frame with Norba geometry?