Hi all Sorry in ADVANCE I know my post is in the 98 section but would like your opinion as well : , I have returned to mountain biking after a 12 year gap the bike I used to ride was a proflex 857 because I enjoyed that bike so much I have managed to get hold of a proflex 4000 K2 cheap. I have been riding that for about 2 months now but keep thinking of new stuff like a Giant full suspension I am 46 years old and wondering whether a more modern bike would be easier to ride as i am struggling a bit with fitness and my friends say a more modern bike would be easier to live with. Any Comments ideas would be most welcome PS if I could afford both I would but her indoors wears the trousers and I also have to look after my 16 year old sons bike a Proflex Beast
Modern Bike or stick with me Retro ?
- Thread starter fridgehq
- Start date
Modern bikes are heavier, so while you might get more traction from a modern it will still need more effort to ride uphill.
Frankly, what's most necessary is the engine. While a better suspension design might give you 1% here or there in performance, you get the big gains from fitness and simply riding lots.
I ride a rigid singlespeed and regularly outclimb most people on full sussers. Why? I'm fitter and prepared to tolerate pain. Having a 20lb bike undoubtedly helps. BTW I'm a44 and have a leaking heart valve so it's not age-related.
Of course none of the magazines will say this because it doesn't sell bikes and they have their advertisers to consider. I laughed my socks off at last month's MBR buyers guide which said that hardtails were only good for going to the shops or pulling child trailers on canal towpaths. :roll:
Frankly, what's most necessary is the engine. While a better suspension design might give you 1% here or there in performance, you get the big gains from fitness and simply riding lots.
I ride a rigid singlespeed and regularly outclimb most people on full sussers. Why? I'm fitter and prepared to tolerate pain. Having a 20lb bike undoubtedly helps. BTW I'm a44 and have a leaking heart valve so it's not age-related.
Of course none of the magazines will say this because it doesn't sell bikes and they have their advertisers to consider. I laughed my socks off at last month's MBR buyers guide which said that hardtails were only good for going to the shops or pulling child trailers on canal towpaths. :roll:
feetabix
Retrobike Rider
Hi there, welcome to rb, THE home of the gentlemans midlife crisis..... An old bike will give you your youth back but will take some upkeep in terms of finding parts and general tlc...... A new bike will come with modern kit, and sales driven hype aside, do pretty much everything better..... Disc brakes are the best example, no one here I'm sure would deny their superiority over brakes of yesteryear!...... What you won't get from a modern bike is the same character, that undefinable quality that starts conversations with perfect strangers at your tea stop...... I run modern and old bikes and love the contrast between them, you can do the retro thing without breaking the bank......(sometimes, if your careful, and the wife is watching!).......either way, don't sweat it too much, enjoy every minute in the countryside with your thoughts for company!.....
The V brakes on my Zaskar are way better than the cheap and nasty
discs on my Carrera. Admittedly I know how to set the Vs up properly !
Plus the Carrera is aly while my old Outpost is a big lump of Cro-moly.
But the retros are always first choice out of the shed !
discs on my Carrera. Admittedly I know how to set the Vs up properly !
Plus the Carrera is aly while my old Outpost is a big lump of Cro-moly.
But the retros are always first choice out of the shed !
Paul Eggleton
Retro Guru
My 2p.
Whilst I cannot deny the improved performance of discs, I find my more modern Trek with discs won't 'glide' as well as bikes with rim brakes. Admitedly I've not played with the discs on my trek but i certiainly need to put more effort in to maintain the same speed on the flat compared to a rim brake bike........
Paul.
Whilst I cannot deny the improved performance of discs, I find my more modern Trek with discs won't 'glide' as well as bikes with rim brakes. Admitedly I've not played with the discs on my trek but i certiainly need to put more effort in to maintain the same speed on the flat compared to a rim brake bike........
Paul.
Just my 0.02€...
You love your old bike, yes?
So do I. I'm currently rebuilding my 1999 East Peak, yes there are newer shinier, cleverer modern full-sus designs out there, but I'm not sure I would enjoy riding them any more than I do the old bike.
If you think about it, I reckon you've answered your own question!
You love your old bike, yes?
So do I. I'm currently rebuilding my 1999 East Peak, yes there are newer shinier, cleverer modern full-sus designs out there, but I'm not sure I would enjoy riding them any more than I do the old bike.
If you think about it, I reckon you've answered your own question!
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All depends on where you ride and what style of riding you do imo. My modern full suss is ace when used properly but it's overkill for a lot of trails and it's much heavier the my retro so harder work up hills. It also depends on how much you've got to spend on a modern bike. If it's less then £1500 (full suss) I'd stick to retro and save your cash.
