What to buy 1980/1990 race bike.

[Boon 51]

I picked these 2 up recently and are from smaller independent builders

View attachment 445388 View attachment 445389

Both are nice

I like the bottom one that's some where near where I want to go.

 

[biggs682]

I like the bottom one that's some where near where I want to go.

The URL="https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/hardisty.242048/"]Hardisty[/URL]
What can i say . You don't see many .
And that one is still sat in my garage

 

[Boon 51]

Just a quick question. I have 4 bikes all M framed but the standover size is 20mm different between the tallest and shortest. What are the sizes in inches? I'm 5 ft 9 inch. most of the bikes i'm looking at come in inches. so 5ft 5inch to 5ft 8 inch and a 5ft 8inch to a 5ft 10inch would fit.

 

[Boon 51]

The URL="https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/hardisty.242048/"]Hardisty[/URL]
What can i say . You don't see many .
And that one is still sat in my garage

Just up my street..

 

[carpenter]

Inside leg sir?
I am 5'10" with 32" inside leg and find 21 1/2" frames quite comfortable - although saddle post height and handlebar stem reach can be useful adjustments.

 

[carpenter]

This would be on my list:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Classic-...=item4682c0db87:g:fx0AAOSwNDdbcBM6:rk:16:pf:0

I think it is earlier than 80's (no expert on this), but I love lugs and it doesn't seem to need too much done.

 

[Cycleops]

Biggsy's bikes look good. Here's a nice Peugeot I found on Gumtree, looks like it might suit. You should be able to knock him down a bit, bit pricey but looks tidy.
https://www.gumtree.com/p/for-sale/...restored-retro-225-carbolite-frame/1325288607

 

[User169]

This should give you some ideas..

https://www.steel-vintage.com/bicycles/

I'd be on the look out for a Merckx Corsa or MX Leader.

 

[biggs682]

Just a quick question. I have 4 bikes all M framed but the standover size is 20mm different between the tallest and shortest. What are the sizes in inches? I'm 5 ft 9 inch. most of the bikes i'm looking at come in inches. so 5ft 5inch to 5ft 8 inch and a 5ft 8inch to a 5ft 10inch would fit.

I am 5ft 10" and normally ride anything 21 1/2" to 24" frame sizes but i find the 22" area best with stem length to match my required reach between seat post and centre line of bars .

If you are ever passing Wellingborough give me a shout and pop in and try a couple of my retro roadies to get an idea

 

[woodbutcher]

I have been thinking about getting an older race bike 1980/1990 ish but don't know nothing about what is a good buy or not?
So some tips would be helpful please.
Don't mind having to replace stuff or even having it repainted as long as the frame is sound. Not too worried about price but just want a fair price.

Cheers.

thanks biggs682
Ahh! welcome to the world of dreams and ambitions . Not sure if l would regard 1990's bikes as old ....to me the nice ones are timeless !
I am probably the last person you would want to go to for advice or suggestions . On the other hand to my way of thinking there is only one person that counts in this endeavour and thats you. I say go with your heart and then let your head (and bank balance) sort out the consequences .
Best wishes and bonne chance !

 

[Boon 51]

Inside leg sir?
I am 5'10" with 32" inside leg and find 21 1/2" frames quite comfortable - although saddle post height and handlebar stem reach can be useful adjustments.

I am 5ft 9 with 30 1/2 inside leg. The Genisis Equllibrium 20 has a stand over of 780mm and that's too high, the Giant Pro 1 TCR carbon has a stand over of 760mm (and that could go smaller) is a much better size.

 

[Boon 51]

This would be on my list:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Classic-...=item4682c0db87:g:fx0AAOSwNDdbcBM6:rk:16:pf:0

I think it is earlier than 80's (no expert on this), but I love lugs and it doesn't seem to need too much done.

That would be a good one if it is the right size.

 

[Boon 51]

Biggsy's bikes look good. Here's a nice Peugeot I found on Gumtree, looks like it might suit. You should be able to knock him down a bit, bit pricey but looks tidy.
https://www.gumtree.com/p/for-sale/...restored-retro-225-carbolite-frame/1325288607

That's nice as well?

 

[Cycleops]

To give you an idea on condition and costs this is what the same bike in 'barn find' condition would go for;
https://www.gumtree.com/p/for-sale/...-team-road-bike-speedy-fix-project/1325320573

 

[Salar]

If you go secondhand and French be aware that replacement bottom brackets aren't so easy to find.