There’s a fine line between an outdated road bike and one that has become a classic. There are no rules for any retro project, though it’s not too hard to blend the old with the new. And while this has provided more opportunity for restorers to obtain the classic framesets and components they desire, it has fuelled enthusiasm for the pastime, which in turn, has driven up market prices. There has always been a healthy interest in collecting and resurrecting classic road bikes but I think it’s fair to say that it has become more accessible thanks to the rise of the internet and global trading sites such as eBay. Used bikes and bike parts are normally cheap, until they become classics These replicas and re-issues are therefore very much modern bikes that honour a classic aesthetic.ĭeciding on one approach over another really depends on the needs of the individual however, there are no rules and there is plenty of scope for any combination of these approaches. Such replications may include the components for an authentic feel, however it’s not unusual for these bikes to make use of contemporary components.
These bikes tend to get used on a regular basis, giving owners an authentic taste of a time gone by.įinally, there are replicas and re-issues, freshly constructed bikes that honour a classic period in the life of a brand. There is no emphasis on using period-correct parts, and indeed, modern components are often fitted to a classic chassis, essentially breathing new life into an old bike. A brand new 11-speed groupset can bring new life to a 25-year-old steel frameset.įalling somewhere in between are those projects where a classic frameset is re-purposed for contemporary use. These bikes can be counted as true resurrections but the amount of time and money involved can be considerable. Such projects become increasingly challenging with the age of the bike and often extend to re-finishing the frame and components. These bikes are true artefacts that honour the heritage of the sport.įor others, nothing less than a pristine restoration with period-correct parts will satisfy. For some, it is enough to locate a “survivor” that can be resurrected for light riding with a minor amount of effort.
There are a few different ways to approach a retro project. “Otherwise, they are a call to a time past that is still remembered fondly, or it’s a bike they wished they could own but could never afford.”
“Some are attracted to the history, the brands, or the names that rode them,” says Andy White of Fyxo, who is well known for a wide range of retro projects. There are many reasons why a fan would want to resurrect a classic road bike. This can be done in a variety of ways, depending on the individual’s desires and resources, but what’s involved and what can be expected from the outcome?Īustralian tech editor Matt Wikstrom takes a look at what’s involved in resurrecting a classic road bike before putting one to the test to see how it performs by today’s standards. Cycling has a rich history and one of the most powerful ways to connect with it is to resurrect a classic race bike.
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