What are your retro bike plans for 2024.

[markoc]

I need to have a proper clear out to make some space and raise some funds.

Not sure I'll have any builds in 2024 unless a unicorn comes up. That said, I'll continue to be on the hunt for hidden gems - aren't we all!

Hmmm, 50/50 I reckon.

The clearout is pending, but I have got a build on the go that started as a bit of a hidden gem.

 

[Roasted]

1. Finish building the Kona Coiler for my son
2. Build the Curtis SuperX when it gets back from paint
3. Strip the Curtis RaceLite 24, get to paint and rebuild.
4. Rebuild my Shiver DC WC, Z1 QR20s, Z1s and Super T Pros.
5. Source a DH frame suitable for my Shivers
6. Build my Cove G Spot
7. Build the yet to be acquired DH bike
8. Workout a solution to the bike storage problem
9. Clear out any unused parts
10. Find a DDG Sting frame to complement my Arrow DSS
11. Sit back and marvel at my completed collection of awesome bikes knowing that I don't need anymore, ever.
12. Be on the lookout for a Kona Bass

Completed 1, 2, 5
Partially done 3, 4, 9
To be started 7, 8, 10, 12
Probably won't be done 6
Always doing 11

 

[raidan73]

After a shitty second half of the year I aim to finish what I started in 2023, and add a couple more things to the list:

1. Finish the new shed (not for bike use but will give me some wall space for some of my bike related pics, prints etc) 85% complete. Usable now at least
2. Complete at least 2 builds (not aiming for the stars here!) Only managed one
3. Sell at least 5 frames/bikes Didn't come close
4. Continue my parts clear out, and try to be a bit more ruthless about it Ongoing
5. Ride more Ever so slightly but have exercised more
6. Buy a modern bike (largely dependent on how 3 and 4 go!) See 3 & 4 above!
7. Make my bike shed a nicer place to be in (again relying on 3 and 4) Err, no

 

[Guinessisgoodforyou]

More air bnb touring. Build what I have. Don't buy anymore

1-Yes.
2-Yes
3-

 

[brocklanders023]

Mine are to finally cable up + finish my 1992, finally tidy up my 1988 and finally strip and re-build my 1989!

View attachment 809533View attachment 809534View attachment 809535

Well, I nearly finished the 92, made loads of progress with the 89 and sold the 88!

 

[kingoffootball]

Realistically, my target for the year could be similar .... I will probably half finish one of my builds.

I guess if I find somewhere I can paint my Raleigh (and then actually repaint it) that would be progress enough.

I still need to work out where to paint the Raleigh.

 

[boy"O"boy]

As 2024 draws to a close......

I didn't put any aspirations in this thread as I really had no idea what 2024 would bring Retrobike wise.
Evri had lost my Prototype Aluminium "O" and depressed about this, enthusiasm for any builds wasn't happening. I'd bought a Serotta Off-road Pro-flex as a consolation project in December 2022.... But nothing happened at all in 2023.

2024 was going to be a new start but decided to set no goals. Just see how it went.

Sometimes you can't predict a good crop.

Project Pro-flex underway, suddenly February drops a bit of good luck and a Ridgeback from the long time want list surfaces.

1989 Ridgeback 604 SIS

Focused on completing this, the mojo is back.

Then in July, the unbelievable happens. My prototype Orange Aluminium "O" that was lost by Evri resurfaces in Hampshire. With help of @MartyP and the retrobike collective, I'm reunited with the irreplaceable.

Thanks to everyone that voted - the Iceman becomes Oct BOTM.

To finish the year, I finally finish the Serotta Off-road Pro-flex that I'd started in January.


An added twist in the Pro-flex story came in June when @Cristian-T offered to sell me the Prototype of the bike above. It didn't take long for me to decide that this was another project worthy of a boy"O"boy restoration. Finishing a 4th bike was slightly beyond me but loads of progress was made....

... Expect the prototype to be part of the 2025 crop.

But what else? (other than 3 completed retro builds)

In May I rode the Ride London - Essex 100 miles raising £650 for Crohn's and Colitis UK....also completing the Ride 300km in April for CCUK as part of my training schedule.


In September I rode the London to Brighton off-road for the 2nd year running. This time I rode with my brother. Heavy rain and mud didn't dampen our spirits. Another brilliant fundraiser for the British Heart Foundation.


Training for these events gave me one of the best end of year stats I have achieved on Strava to date.


I doubt very much I'm going to top my achievements in 2025. Perhaps by not giving myself targets, Ive achieved more than I expected. There was also a massive amount of luck involved.....I could have no way predicted that the lost Iceman would reappear, but it has taught me that you shouldn't give up hope.
The faith in the retrobike community is stronger than ever and it's reassuring that people have got your back.

All the best for 2025. Hope your crop becomes a vintage year!

boy"O"boy