looking to join the fun...

[tom73]

i've a few short rides near me that are just a nice ride out so looking for an old school bike to add to the fun. Nothing too classy or worth a mint just something to enjoy. May in the future try my luck and sign up to Eroica Britannia or the like. Plus i've a few old bike spanners hiding in my one of my dad's tool boxers.
So might as well have a bike to go with them .

Not looking to build one or fix one up too much. Mrs 73 is ok with yet another bike but having bike bits all over the place or a one that looks a bit of reck is pushing it.

So what size frame is best i'm 5'9 ,31 inside leg.

I'm sure lot's of other questions will come once I find something but knowing what size is a pretty big starting point.

 

[biggs682]

@tom73 you are about same size as me and i swap between 21 1/2" and can just about manage a 24" if i am careful
So go and try a few old steelies and see how you get on
If you are ever passing through Northamptonshire feel free to give me a shout and you are more than welcome to come and try any of my old steelies for size .

 

[tom73]

@biggs682 great stuff I have seen one local to me seller has listed it at 60cm asked size it suits told me 5'10 to 6'4.
So maybe pushing it ?

 

[DCLane]

In your size I've a 22" 1970's Dawes on eBay, although it's already mostly done; https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/163681813785

There's also a 23" Olmo, but that's newer: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/163681814989

 

[Milkfloat]

@biggs682 great stuff I have seen one local to me seller has listed it at 60cm asked size it suits told me 5'10 to 6'4.
So maybe pushing it ?

I would say he is over estimating his heights. A 60cm in a modern bike would fit 6'4", but in an older bike would be more like 6' maximum.

 

[Cycleops]

As biggsy says 60cm is too big.
How about this rather nice Carlton somewhere up your way?
Just ninety quid.

Carlton vintage road bike,
https://www.gumtree.com/p/for-sale/...ampaign=socialbuttons&utm_content=app_android

Or this lovely Super Course;

Carlton Super Course vintage retro road racing bike Reynolds frame Brooks saddle ,
https://www.gumtree.com/p/for-sale/...ampaign=socialbuttons&utm_content=app_android

 

[Venod]

Not a road bike but a MTB, I did up over winter, its on ebay at the moment for less than it cost me to O/H, but I enjoy the building process so looking to sell this to start another, its very good on road or tracks I'm 5' 10" 32" inside leg, its set up for me in pics, but there is a lot of seat post showing, so plenty of adjustment..


https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/183808194259?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649

 

[biggs682]

@biggs682 great stuff I have seen one local to me seller has listed it at 60cm asked size it suits told me 5'10 to 6'4.
So maybe pushing it ?

60cm might just be that bit too big , but go and try it if local enough and see how it feels
Back in the day shops seemed to have always sold a size bigger than needed just in case the purchaser grew

 

[Spiderweb]

Always best to try before you buy but at 5’ 9’’ I’d be looking at 21”- 22”.

 

[tom73]

well thanks guys CC comes up with the goods again ...
I intend to try them just need to know what to look for

 

[BalkanExpress]

@biggs682 great stuff I have seen one local to me seller has listed it at 60cm asked size it suits told me 5'10 to 6'4.
So maybe pushing it ?

As others have said it is probably a bit large, but a lot depends on how long your legs are. Long legs and a short torso may work if it gives enough standover height without that

 

[Cycleops]

well thanks guys CC comes up with the goods again ...
I intend to try them just need to know what to look for

Most will require a bit of fettling and if the basic frame and fittings are sound you'll probably need; new inner and outer cables, brake blocks, tyres, bar tape. You should also repack the hubs with grease and check the BB for wear as well as the chainrings, chain and block/ cassette.

 

[buzzy-beans]

Back in the day shops seemed to have always sold a size bigger than needed just in case the purchaser grew

So what happens with old farts like me who are shrinking!!

 

[buzzy-beans]

well thanks guys CC comes up with the goods again ...
I intend to try them just need to know what to look for

Believe me, when you put your leg over the classic/vintagebike that is meant for you, you will know as it will shout out to you !

 

[tom73]

Believe me, when you put your leg over the classic/vintagebike that is meant for you, you will know as it will shout out to you !

Well i'd sure hope so every bike i've bought to date sure have