Retro yet Modern Bike

[martymcfarty]

Hello,

I am very much one for retro/vintage style, but after cycling all summer on an entry level Dawes Giro 300, I am looking to upgrade to a £1000-£1500 bike as I hope to join a cycling club after the winter and eventually taking part in the odd race.

Problem is, I want a bike that is light, handles well, and is fast, but that doesn't look like it has been designed by NASA.

i.e. something like this...
http://www.bikesfixedgear.co.uk/images/kona-band-wagon-2010-single-speed-road-bike-500.jpg

Any advice would be welcome as I really dont know what I'm doing here! I want something that I can build a long relationship with over the coming years so would like to to suit my usual style.

Thanks in advance,
Marty

 

[gaz]

You want something like that or not like that?

 

[martymcfarty]

Something that looks like that (http://www.bikesfixe...ad-bike-500.jpg)! Thanks!

 

[Angelfishsolo]

Something that looks like that (http://www.bikesfixe...ad-bike-500.jpg)! Thanks!

Can I take it that "looks like that" means ("looks like that" but isn't that?) If I was looking for a car that looked like a VW Golf I would go for a VW Golf.

 

[smokeysmoo]

Any advice would be welcome as I really don't know what I'm doing here! I want something that I can build a long relationship with over the coming years so would like to to suit my usual style.

One thing you are doing is looking at a fixed gear bike that you then plan to do club rides on, is that right?


Seems a little odd IMO, I know people apparently do take part in club rides on fixed gear bikes, but I's stick my neck out and say it's not the norm.

Most 'retro' designs tend to be built as fixed/ss bikes.

Have you considered buying something from the 70's/80's and restoring it? You've got loads of options to go at, and then you could do either a full sympathetic restoration, or a modern 10 speed conversion just as two examples of what's possible

This is a beauty, never heard of Zullo, but they can be sourced HERE

 

[Sambu]

what about a titanium bike?

 

[rualexander]

Dawes Clubman or Century?

Condor Classico? Note the price is for frameset only.

 

[2Loose]

Genesis Equilibrium. Retro but high tech\spec all at the same time.

 

[g00se]

You might need to up your budget a smidge for this one:

My link

 

[Alembicbassman]

I found this Schwinn Le Tour Classic rather tempting at £600

Reynolds Cr-Mo frame

Checkout the Dawes Century SE and Dawes Clubman too

 

[smokeysmoo]

You might need to up your budget a smidge for this one:

My link

I always liked those, they look stunning, and they have been reduced, last few bikes to clear, LOOK HERE



(still too much though!)

 

[vickster]

Pearsons have some more traditional looking bikes and can be customised

http://www.pearsoncycles.co.uk/store/category/3/136/Pearson-Range/

 

[jayonabike]

I have a Dawes Century SE. I bought it as my winter bike, but to be honest since I bought it back in April my best bike hasn't really been ridden that much, this bike is so comfortable to ride. Reynolds 520 cro-moly frame and carbon forks make sure of that. The Tiagra groupset works a treat and is very reliable. I've made a few changes to mine, hand built wheels I would recommend doing and you would still have change from £1500.

This is mine, when I was cycling the Norfolk coast road a couple of weeks ago

 

[uphillstruggler]

I found this Schwinn Le Tour Classic rather tempting at £600

Reynolds Cr-Mo frame

Checkout the Dawes Century SE and Dawes Clubman too

that is a very good looking bike

 

[lejogger]

what about a titanium bike?

Have a look at the Enigma bikes here: http://www.enigmabikes.com/bike-list.html

You should be able to find something to fit your budget. They're lovely.