How Well Does a 30 Year-old Bike Ride?

[legrandefromage]

Just bare in mind that lowering the rear mech puts it straight into the clatter zone - rocks, ruts and sticky-outy-bits

This is a 2019 Pace with a bent and broken mech/ bent drop out after going through a deep puddle

 

[d8mok]

Re:

I bought a mech hanger straightening tool last year as I’d read that 12 speed needed a perfectly straight hanger to work properly and assumed I’d be whacking it on rocks on stuff all time. It does get hit a lot but hasn’t damaged anything yet. Never used the tool up until last week and that was on my 96 8 speed Zaskar.

And then had to go check every other bike had a straight hanger too obviously

 

[Scvintage]

Re:

The only frame I have that looks like it could handle extra torque is my giant Butte, the rear drop outs are big flat plates (ugly but sturdy)

 

[novekili]

A good ti frame, 27.5x1.90 Tyres, gravel setup, modern parts, 9 kilos... it rides beautifully

 

[mheywoo1]

Re:

I’ve not watched all the video yet but running tubeless tyres with Stans rim-strips massively improved my enjoyment of riding my retro bikes. I also use lock-on grips - hairspray was fine bitd but lethal in the wet.

I also find a shorter (100-110mm) stem can make a huge difference - slammed looked cool but doesn’t ride as well.

I’ve recently bought a high-end 650b titanium gravel bike and though it is (considerably) faster than my retro mtbs the simple joy it bring over my local trails is very similar.

To me, anything that improves the enjoyment of riding our lovely old bikes should be seen as a positive. You can always keep a set of spare period correct wheels and tyres for garage queen duties.

 

[legrandefromage]

I'm finding certain modern tyres very slippery making things far worse (Rocket Ron doesnt seem happy on any surface!)

As for 'faster', it could be argued that you simply dont pedal fast enough on your old bicycles. :mrgreen:

 

[tintin40]

As for 'faster', it could be argued that you simply dont pedal fast enough on your old bicycles. :mrgreen:

As they are 'human' powered transport i agree. Get fitter and it will go faster. Perhaps modern gives the perception of going faster? Modern brakes certainly stop better

 

[Prodigal Son]

The tiny stem, ultra low bars and in line post makes me scratch my head in this build.

 

[M-Power]

Re:

Extra long cage rear mechs were an issue even back in the late 80s, hence the trend for Shimano 600/Dura Ace rear mechs on ATBs. I still think that retros are more fun for normal countryside riding and they teach kids proper bike handling skills.

 

[Prodigal Son]

Re: Re:

Extra long cage rear mechs were an issue even back in the late 80s, hence the trend for Shimano 600/Dura Ace rear mechs on ATBs. I still think that retros are more fun for normal countryside riding and they teach kids proper bike handling skills.

Vintage MTBs tend to steep head angles and that requires attention on the steep. Old bikes were not designed for big rubber. otoh they are bikes: fun and beautifull.