How far do you go for retro?

[FST4RD]

When building a retro bike, how far do you go to make it all original?
Chain? Tubes? Cassette? Cables? Pads? Spokes?
Personally these things normally fall by the way side and I go for modern items.

Just interested to hear.

 

[barry2017]

Things that work best.

I haven't tried one yet, but I think some of the new rear mechs sound very promising.

When our retro bikes were new, I wanted to fit the things that worked best on them. Why should now be different?

 

[FST4RD]

That's true, I totally agree and have done that too.
But for people that are building replicas, garage queens, only ridden in the most perfect conditions when the wind is blowing in the right direction etc what say you?

 

[mrdryskull]

Re:

I don't get it,,back in the day,a stock bike was Lame....Upgrades and mods must start before a new bike leaves the store..

 

[firedfromthecircus]

It does depend on what you are after for the build, but for me generally I don't mind using new parts if they will pass for period ones. Also retro parts that are unavailable in decent condition at a usable price can be exchanged for new. So tyres, tubes, grips, bbs, headsets, spokes, saddles are all fair game for new replacements, but unless it's a retromod the main components should be period IMHO. No horrible new clutch mechs on an early nineties bike for me!

I do have a lot of admiration though for the people who will go all the way. I think it's important for the 'hobby' that there are people who will ensure everything is correct and document the process. To them I say chapeau.

 

[The History Man]

I make a decision at the start based on a pre build pootle with anything on it. Some then get period but not rigid spec and some get any old bits I have in the shed which is mostly good quality but random.

 

[Rod_Saetan]

Spokes and tubes, probably not (though I do have a stash of Air B in the boxes), everything else - yes, why not. The exception being I tend to build SS retro bikes with some newer (but retro looking) kit.

 

[Mike Muz]

Re:

I don't go for 100% period builds. Period frame, forks, mechs, chainsets, brakes, wheels, stems and bars.
Certainly not chains, cassettes/rings, cables or brake pads but nothing that wouldn't look out of place. As for headsets and bottom brackets, unless they're NOS and therefore very expensive, you're taking a risk on a bearing that may last a week. Which is probably half the lifetime of a new UN55!
As for saddles, ive used Flites and Rolls for a looooonnnngggg time and I use those on all my bikes even modern ones.

Mike

 

[cce]

enough to preserve the overall sense of handling, and no more, so a fork that's broadly the right length, but anything else is a go

 

[hamster]

I'm not at the nerdy end of things, so I keep the thumbies but use modern 8/9 speed rear mechs.

Period correct can get completely out of hand. Do they also only ride with a period correct 1996 Nokia phone..?

There is a serious danger of becoming the cycling equivalent of the Amish. :facepalm: