Modern Classic Bikes

defender90

So I was watching an old episode of Top Gear last night, where they drive an e-type which looks just like normal but has been fully restored underneath with modern components etc to give it modern reliability and comfort levels whilst still preserving the look and feel of the classic car. This got me thinking - do you think there is any market for a similar thing for bikes, I.e. Classic 70s/80 steel framed bikes fully rebuilt and resprayed before being fitted with modern components etc. possibility an alternative commuting bike or something a it different for the club rides?

Pete

BikeRadarAdmin

Hi Pete,

I really like this idea. I recently saw a Steel 80's Colnago with the fluoro-wicked paint job, Reynolds 46 wheels and carbon finishing kit. I didn't get a chance to see what had been done to the drive train, but from a distance it looked awesome.

Super cool idea, although expensive as the in demand frames tend to go for a small fortune on the web!

Josh.

marcusjb

Trouble is a vintage car can easily have more modern equipment hidden underneath it's body work (be that better engine, suspension or whatever).

A vintage bike doesn't have anywhere to hide the modern equipment, so just looks like a vintage frame with modern kit. That's fine, it is what it is, but it is totally different to the concept of the Eagle? E-Type.

Of course, some bits of equipment are hidden on bikes, so you could start by replacing those old, unreliable square taper bottom brackets with some of these incredible modern out board bearing units.......hang on....I've got that wrong?

pblakeney

Colnago Master, alloy Athena, hand built wheels. Sorted.

rolf_f

There's at least 4 frame builders within 15 miles of myself and they all offer the same result but without spoiling a period frame with relatively clumsy looking modern components.

imposter2.0

[url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19736408#p19736408]defender90[/url] wrote:

So I was watching an old episode of Top Gear last night, where they drive an e-type which looks just like normal but has been fully restored underneath with modern components etc to give it modern reliability and comfort levels whilst still preserving the look and feel of the classic car. This got me thinking - do you think there is any market for a similar thing for bikes, I.e. Classic 70s/80 steel framed bikes fully rebuilt and resprayed before being fitted with modern components etc. possibility an alternative commuting bike or something a it different for the club rides?

Pete

I've been riding a bike like this for years - 90s 653 steel with modern groupset and wheels. What do I win?

chewa

[url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19736445#p19736445]Imposter[/url] wrote:

[url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19736408#p19736408]defender90[/url] wrote:

So I was watching an old episode of Top Gear last night, where they drive an e-type which looks just like normal but has been fully restored underneath with modern components etc to give it modern reliability and comfort levels whilst still preserving the look and feel of the classic car. This got me thinking - do you think there is any market for a similar thing for bikes, I.e. Classic 70s/80 steel framed bikes fully rebuilt and resprayed before being fitted with modern components etc. possibility an alternative commuting bike or something a it different for the club rides?

Pete

I've been riding a bike like this for years - 90s 653 steel with modern groupset and wheels. What do I win?

Ditto - though an 80s 531c with full ergo

lesfirth

[url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19737474#p19737474]chewa[/url] wrote:

[url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19736445#p19736445]Imposter[/url] wrote:

[url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19736408#p19736408]defender90[/url] wrote:

So I was watching an old episode of Top Gear last night, where they drive an e-type which looks just like normal but has been fully restored underneath with modern components etc to give it modern reliability and comfort levels whilst still preserving the look and feel of the classic car. This got me thinking - do you think there is any market for a similar thing for bikes, I.e. Classic 70s/80 steel framed bikes fully rebuilt and resprayed before being fitted with modern components etc. possibility an alternative commuting bike or something a it different for the club rides?

Pete

I've been riding a bike like this for years - 90s 653 steel with modern groupset and wheels. What do I win?

Ditto - though an 80s 531c with full ergo

Can we see some photos?

term1te

I've always wanted a frog eyed sprite with modern engine and brakes, but I'll dream on. I do have an 80s Columbus SLX Moser with silver 2015 Campag Veloce. Yes, its a bit heavier than a modern bike, and the frame is a little more "flexy", but you can't chrome a carbon frame. For a Sunday afternoon ride you can't beat it, rides a dream, here she is last weekend. Just makes you smile.



My son has a Reynolds 653 frame which he had re-sprayed, sage green and cream, and updated with 2013 Shimano 105 for a school project. Another lovely bike, if only he'd stopped growing... a bit small for him now. Fits me fine though

pblakeney

Cranks are in the wrong position.

tlw1

[url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19736428#p19736428]PBlakeney[/url] wrote:

Colnago Master, alloy Athena, hand built wheels. Sorted.

Like your thinking

veronese68

[url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19737575#p19737575]TLW1[/url] wrote:

[url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19736428#p19736428]PBlakeney[/url] wrote:

Colnago Master, alloy Athena, hand built wheels. Sorted.

Like your thinking

How long until Piña comes along to be offended.
Personally I like the idea and the main thing is that the owner of the bike enjoys it and uses it.

andy9964

[url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19737474#p19737474]chewa[/url] wrote:

[url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19736445#p19736445]Imposter[/url] wrote:

I've been riding a bike like this for years - 90s 653 steel with modern groupset and wheels. What do I win?

Ditto - though an 80s 531c with full ergo

Also ditto, I have a circa 1985 753 Raleigh with modern Shimano groupset

Ben6899

Like this?

https://instagram.com/p/4L4TvLvuRc/?taken-by=ben689908

andy9964

More like this

964cup

It's all fine until someone adds deep-section wheels. A clubmate tried out his Stephen Roche with 404s. Not, IMO, a good look. Groupset-wise, depending on colourway, I think both silver Athena (which is what I run on my Zullo) and mixed alloy/carbon groups (like 10-sp Centaur/Chorus/Record) work well. I think all-carbon groups look a bit off, except perhaps on something like an Alan Record Carbonio.