Classic Bike Build, will it be rubbish?

Flambes

I have, for the last 5 years or so hankered to do a classic bike build from the sort of stuff I used to lust over in the Ron Kitching catalogue (apart from the ladies that is).
Something like Reynolds 653 or 753, 8 Speed Suntour Superbe Pro groupset throught.
Maybe GP4 rims, not sure.
So I'm on Ebay and going to bike jumbles searching for bargains, but haven't put any cash on it yet, I think because I'm worried that it'll be rubbish.
A while ago I had a Vitus 979, Suntour Sprint, Mavic 631 chainset, Chorus Monoplanar brakes, Turbo saddle.
Then I bought a Focus Cayo expert and was blown away by it. Now have a Trigon RQC-29 with full Dura Ace, and it's brill.

Any point in persuing my dream? Any spec that would be worthwhile, or will I ultimately be disappointed?
Anybody prefer their classic build to the latest ultra stiff and lightweight road rockets we have today?
Maybe I'd build it and just hang it on the wall.

Just tell me to save my money for some Enve's instead!

ugo.santalucia

I do prefer my classic. Build it to ride it, so choose reliable components, especially brakes. Make sure the wheels are built on good hubs and you will not regret it

greasedscotsman

Flambes wrote:

Any point in persuing my dream?

Only you can really answer that. Lots of people like "classic" bikes and there is nothing wrong with that at all.

But I would argue that not all modern bikes are "ultra stiff and lightweight road rockets", plenty out there that give a more forgiving ride.

Flambes

Thanks. I suppose I should clarify, I generally prefer more "immediate" bikes where you put the hammer down and it responds in kind.

Strith

I like riding my classic steel bike to remind me just how much better my modern caad 10 is.
So yeah go for it. Building bikes of any kind is fun anyway.

greasedscotsman

I would suggest that out of the 3 carbon and 3 steel bikes I have, the carbon ones are more lively and immediate, I'm sure others with disagree. Maybe go and test a few, even if you end up buying something else.

rolf_f

I have carbon bikes plus a full 531 Raleigh and a 501/531 Dawes. I love them all.

True, the modern bikes have more sensible gears and, rather less importantly, are a bit lighter but once on the road I tend to forget any difference anyway. And, let's be honest, there will always be more tactile pleasure in operating a friction shifter than any STI. And they do look a lot better. And Suntour did make the best groupsets ever.

Go for it. Make it in 23.5 and I may buy it off you if you are dissatisfied for a quarter of the build price!

Flambes

Hmm, so looks like spending money on my dream classic bike may well still be required!
Back off to Ebay then........
I'll see you again in another 5 years when it's complete!

cycleclinic

There are a number of comment above I would agree with.
1) friction shifter are good things. I friction shift a 6 speed freewheel on the alan and on the Trek an 8, 9 or 10 speed cassette depending on how I feel. I feel like 9 speed at the moment.
2) Some modern bikes do have a forgiving ride. My most modern bike is a 2011 Traitor exile which is a luugged steel frame. The tubing is similar to some versions of 531 and is very forgiving.

However older bikes can be light too. My 1981 Alan with period everything is 20lbs and my 1992 Trek with modern everything is 17.2 lbs. both these bikes use friction shifters and I think I prefer them to Campags Ergo's or Shimano's STI's. Less to go wrong, cheaper and lighter. Best of all worlds.

I have tried a number of modern stiff bikes and have been underwhelmed. My favourite bike is the Trek, light and a little bit twitchy. So to the OP if you pick the right frame and kit you might actually prefer it.

Some older frame like my trek are quite stiff but some like my Alan or your Vitus are not very stiff at all. I think it hard to beat a good shimano 7/8 groupset with d/t shifters. Even the older 6 speed groups are quite nice to use and you do get used to the lack of gear range.

My favourties are 1055/1056, 6400, 7400 and Campag nouvo or super record 6 speed. I would like to try a campagnolo 8 speed record. All my dream bike frames have already been made.