Why I STILL Ride a Vintage Road Bike In 2024!

[@philkitchen1924]

It’s great when you reach the point where you can break free from the hype

[@newoldsteel]

100% true! Thanks for watching!

[@BB-tx7tq]

I don't wrap my bars until I've gone out on 4 to 5 rides to make sure the fit is correct. You're preaching to the choir here, steel is real!

[@newoldsteel]

@@BB-tx7tq amen to that! Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@TESTA-CC]

Vintage Road Bike, Rim Brakes, DownTube Shifters For The Win 🤙🤙

[@newoldsteel]

The best bike combo!

[@derek75116]

DT Shifters stay crisp for ever 👍

[@c330user]

​@@derek75116I have to say that after 30 years my Suntour downshifters don't tighten as reliably anymore. I am going to switch to a fresh pair of bar end shifters soon.

[@kenblair2538]

Great video (subscribed). I'm 77, been riding since my teens. It's great to see a young guy, into steel bikes. I currently have 5 steel bikes in my inventory, (1983-2005) . Yes, I can strip them down to a bare frame, replace all cables and bearings , rebuild and back riding at the end of the day. All came with down tube shifters, except my 2005 Jamis. I have since , upgraded all to STI shifters, in order to get lower gearing. I'm way older and live in Western Massachusetts , which is all hilly. Three bikes have a low 22 gear inch. Others have 26 gear inch low . Not much I can't climb. I'm talking 8-10% short grades. GRX crank set, was a great up-grade. I remember moving from 21mm tires to now 25 and 28mm , were I can fit them. However , I still have a set of tubulars (20mm) I break out to ride , to enjoy the harsh , sporty ride. Roads are in good shape, for now. Back in 2017, I bought my first plastic (CF) bike with disk's and internal cables. What a PITA. Also a Aluminum frame bike. (Can't afford titanium) Still, fun to ride. Yep, this aero crap and lite weight stuff is all marketing hype . Yes, if your a paid pro, I can see were seconds count. But for us immortals, loose body fat and get into shape. Your body is the greatest wind drag . But, on the technology side , I do use a Garmin computer, cadence, HR , speed and power sensors on all bikes. I will say, disks are important on Mtn and gravel bikes. And don't get me started on "Gravel" stuff, more marketing hype . Thanks. KB (I still have a set of Shimano 105, 7spd DT shifters and Campy 7 spd DT shifters in my parts bin)

[@newoldsteel]

That is awesome to read all that! I do want to try tubulars one day but definitely seems like a bigger commitment lol. Great to hear you’re still riding and thank you for watching!

[@xkpm]

I still ride a modern steel frame that's absolutely not aero but weighs around 8kg with carbon wheels, rim brakes and a campy chorus 11 mechanical gruppo. Daily an old steel road bike I converted to a single speed commuter with fenders and racks and sometimes ride my original vintage 1985 Merckx Pro if the weather is nice out. Steel is still very much alive! For my next build I'm hopping on the gravel hype train and going for a more do it all build with wider tire clearance and as many rack mounts I can fit on it for bike packing. Low speed, long distance stuff, also going to be steel of course ;)

[@jefffixesit60]

This 69 year old bike maniac finds it very refreshing when a young cyclist likes the vintage look! I have become so bored with black everything on bikes. Since I live in the mountains of west Texas, my old legs like a super low climbing gear, while my inner speed freak wants to have a super high gear for descending. My solution is used Ultegra and 105 3x9 and 3x10 components, mixed with Deore, XT, and XTR rear derailleurs and cassettes. I get the aesthetics of polished aluminum combined with enormously wide gear selection. I still have a couple of 2x7 bikes with downtube shifters for short trips around town, but my back prefers STI shift/brake levers for longer rides. Also, I use a lot of quill-to-threadless adapters and polished Velo Orange stems to preserve the shiny bling and make setup changes much simpler. I do like low spoke count wheels with bladed spokes and aero rims, but I like to build my own and I usually use natural stainless steel and brushed aluminum rims with polished hubs. I’m currently dragging my ’73 Raleigh Grand Sport into the “modern” era with 3x9 Ultegra 6503 levers and crankset, XTR rear derailleur and 11-34t cassette. It already has been widened to 130mm droupout spacing, so no issues there. I haven’t decided whether to build 700c or 27” wheelset, but I will probably use 32 spokes for this one: something about the chrome rear triangle and fork legs with white frame and teal panels on the head and seat tubes just cries out for lots of sparkling steel spokes for group rides under the desert sun. Also keeping the Campagnolo Record seat post and Weinmann “999” center pull brake calipers: they look great, and the brakes have plenty of power. Whatever you ride, have fun with it. If you don’t like something about it, don’t be afraid to make changes. I don’t have anything against aluminum, titanium, or carbon frame sets (titanium is the only one I don’t have in my collection), but steel bikes are still my favorite: they just keep going, and going, and going! Ride far, ride fast, be happy!😎❤️

[@newoldsteel]

That's awesome you have a triple as I just got a triple crankset and cannot wait to use it! I have heard going 27" does limit tire choices, but the few choices are nice. I still have to build wheels so that's my final frontier. Thanks for watching!

[@jefffixesit60]

@ 27” tire of choice is Schwalbe Marathon 27x1-1/4” (ISO 630-32). I hate flats, and love the smooth ride, great grip, and long life. Happy Trails!😎❤️

[@rodneynoriel1528]

I love this cause not only is it a vintage steel bike, it’s a performance brand that still kicks butt. You will never be stranded with that bike. ❤❤❤❤

[@newoldsteel]

@@rodneynoriel1528 glad to hear from another Performance fan! I LOVE their bikes but so hard to find because when you search “performance bike” the search results use the word performance as a describing word rather than the brand. Thanks for watching!

[@ericsande5345]

I remember Performance catalogs from the early '80s having nice lugged Columbus frames available. Don't know where they were made.

[@dinodaniel2237]

I also ride a vintage frame equipped with ergo. shifters and 23 mm tires.

[@ericpmoss]

My favorite things about these bikes are the feel of the steel fork and that I can ride one without fear of a ding.

[@newoldsteel]

EXACTLY I never have to worry about that spontaneous failure. Seen it happen on carbon wheels too.

[@nofortunatesonII]

Or fear of it breaking if you hit a bad pot hole. Carbon fiber seems scary to me. I don't care to ride something that can break.

[@elwynanderson9947]

So refreshing to hear another serious cyclist offer a balanced non-prejudicial assessment of performance with older bicycles. I tried newer bikes. Five years ago I went back to riding older bikes. Love’em! You are spot on.

[@newoldsteel]

@@elwynanderson9947 I’m so happy to hear that! Yea I was trying new stuff a long time ago and I just did not vibe with it. But these are seriously so good and also cheap! Thanks for watching!

[@petrosspetrosgali]

I just got back into cycling after a 24 year hiatus. I was going to buy a brand new bike and was DISGUSTED at how offensively overpriced and gimmicky they are. I now have a 1996 Garry fisher Tassajara and am currently doing a complete restraining mod on a ‘94 GT timberline. It’s becoming a slightly more road oriented ATB with NOS shimano deore components and friction shifters.

[@danielgolite]

I bought my vintage bike at a garage sale for $75 in 2011. It is a Schwinn Voyageur touring bike built in 1983. The previous owner had it professionally painted in metallic orange and then he polished all the components. It is stunning in appearance. I had some work done on it last year including a new bottom bracket. Last month I used it in my first bike race, a spring triathlon and passed by many new carbon fiber and aluminum bikes.

[@newoldsteel]

@@danielgolite oh what a deal! That sounds like a sweet setup too either way the polished components. Big difference between your bike and those other riders, you can ride your bike for another 100 years and it will still be going strong!

[@MarkMiller-i8q]

I sometimes get weird looks when I show up for group rides on my Schwinn. Among the comments: "You're still riding with down-tube shifters?!" Yes, I say, and loving every minute of it.

[@newoldsteel]

That is awesome to hear I love it! Keep the downtube shifters alive, I'll be doing the same no matter what the other riders say. Thanks for watching!

[@MarkMiller-i8q]

I can relate. I ride an all-steel 1986 Schwinn Paramount using Campy Super Record parts that includes a 6-cog free-wheel made in China. Less can be more when it comes to lots of things, including bikes. I find friction shifting more reliable with less maintenance needed.

[@LowGearDisciple]

"Keep bicycles simple." 🥰

[@newoldsteel]

@@LowGearDisciple exactly! Thanks for watching!

[@curtvaughan2836]

My favorite bicycle ever was my Raleigh Team 753, which I bought on lay-away back in 1989. It had a Reynolds 753 frame and fork, Dura Ace gruppo with 8-speed cassette and 53/42 chain rings. I was probably older then than you are now in 1989 (37), but hey, Greg Lemond had won the TdF by 8 seconds and I decided I wanted a top-of-the-line steel framed bike that year. I loved that bike, but finally got too old to ride drop bar road bikes, so gave the bike - they last a LONG time when well maintained - to my grandson about five years ago. He, too, loves the old bike (he's now in his mid-30's). He and that bicycle are the same age - both born in 1989. I still ride, but do recumbents, crank-forward semi-recumbents, and mountain bikes. Keep riding! My only steel framed bike is a Transition TransAm, a hard tail.

[@newoldsteel]

The 89 tour def France is my all time favorite tour because of that! Also that’s so cool but expected that the bike has lasted that long, it will last almost forever. Thanks for watching!

[@jeremynorth]

Which team colours was your Raleigh? My favourite is the Panasonic but they are all good.

[@joewickie2376]

Bought my Jack Taylor in 1977 and it still rides great. The Taylor brothers may have passed on but their legacy of steel lives on.

[@newoldsteel]

@@joewickie2376 that is so cool you still have it! I would love to see a jack Taylor in person one day. Thanks for watching!

[@alexjohnson6462]

Van Fleet Trail. Nice trail. I see you probably live closer to the south terminus of the trail. I do the trail several days a week from the north end up by Mabel. Yes, the paved trail has seen better days with all the tree roots popping up over the decades, but its still safer than most roads, so I choose to do my time trial training almost exclusively on this trail (also at Lake Louisa State Park which I really enjoy due to how low trafficked and wide the roads in that park are. Also, the rolling hills in there are Goldilocks perfect for TT training because they are just enough to put a hurt on your legs, but not big enough to where it ruins your average speed). The Clermont area is such a great place to ride bikes with all the hills. I mostly ride my 1992 Merlin titanium Extralight (with downtube shifters), but like most bike lovers, I am always on the lookout for my next dream 'lifetime' bike. Funny how my list always seems to come back to metal bikes. I flip-flop a bit between steel and titanium, but the one decision I think I came to is that I have enough road bikes. I think all my bikes from now on are going to be "gravel" or all-road. I think thats just where things are at nowadays with it getting more difficult to ride on the roads like we could back in the 1980's or before. Florida in particular is just a traffic nightmare on even the once quiet farm back roads. The Mason Exposure (most affordable of the options) and the brand new Battaglin Pave are the two steel bikes I am looking at, and Prova Mostro, Stanton Switchpath, or Rodeo Labs Flannimal, or custom geometry Seven Cycles are a few of the titanium bikes I have been looking at. Too many choices... I cannot decide. :-) I do like the weight advantage of Ti, but the beauty of a nicely painted steel bike is hard to resist.

[@GeorgeEvans-lk1wc]

There is definitely a quality to old bikes and parts that just does not exist today and will probably never return. I have noticed a few posts on social media regarding old Campy Victory and Athena groups. The first gen Athena group is one of the most beautiful ever produced. Fall is the perfect time for me to rotate my friction shifting Campy into my daily rides! Great video!

[@newoldsteel]

@@GeorgeEvans-lk1wc for real, that quality is unfortunately so long gone but stands the test of time because it wasn’t my era, but I 100% can feel and observe it! Thank you so much for watching I appreciate it!

[@GeorgeEvans-lk1wc]

@@newoldsteel I was born in 1965 so the 80’s were my era, most of my wonderful bikes are from that time. I also worked in a bike shop on and off in those days. The things that signify quality and craftsmanship then are not important for people now. Not their fault, craftsmanship is not something younger people experienced. Bikes now are judged by complexity and technology. At some point complexity becomes a burden due to cost and maintenance required. Periodically manufacturers come out with limited edition tribute bikes that mimic bikes from the 80s. Raleigh did one years ago built similar to their team 753 bikes from the late 70s. What a mess that was. Almost nothing about it was up to the old standards. It was a time that has come and now gone. Thank goodness we have eb@y!

[@MarkMiller-i8q]

@@GeorgeEvans-lk1wc People like us, who ride and appreciate old steel bikes, know that the latest doesn't necessarily mean the greatest. Road bikes today have gotten ridiculous - hydraulic brakes, electronic shifting, internal cabling, carbon everything and stratospheric prices for all that stuff that not everyone wants or needs.

[@tedjohnson64]

Nice bike! Reminds me of my 1993 Bridgestone RB-2. Totally agree, chrome looks way better than black, and losing weight off the rider is always better than lighter bicycle components.

[@newoldsteel]

Thank you! Oh boy those early 90s Bridgestones are beautiful.

[@pizzalover1335]

In 1991, I was 11 & my older brother use to compete professionally. That same year, him & my father built something really special…a Specialized Allez Epic Pro with Campagnolo’s very short lived Croce D’Aune Groupset! His wheels were Ambrosio’s Durex Montreal Tubulars (140 psi!!!😂) with a 7 speed regina block (12-19) & a 54/41 in the front! He still has it hanging in his garage but i gotta tell ya, the frame has definitely seen better days as most of the late 80’s/early 90’s carbon frames weren’t necessarily the greatest. But i gotta agree with you, the components & i’d argue, even the color of the bike frames, were much more beautiful back then…especially early 90’s diamondbacks!

[@newoldsteel]

@@pizzalover1335 holy cow 140 psi lol! That sounds like a stunning setup and I love the older carbon fiber bikes but those seem scary to ride now! But you are right the 90s diamondbacks are insanely beautiful. Thanks for watching!

[@trevekneebone369]

Just rode my local 70 mile hilly sportive on my early 90's Colnago Master complete with downtube shifters - got lots of compliments from the other riders!

[@newoldsteel]

That sounds like a great group as they appreciate that bike!

[@wilcockson86]

mate i totally agree with your point about weights of parts etc people have lost the whole point of cycling, burn calories, fresh air, have fun, im with you loving vintage bikes, i have a descent collection here in england uk, love your channel ❤

[@newoldsteel]

@@wilcockson86 thank you so much for the support! For real, it really distracts from the whole point of cycling, just outdoors and enjoying it! Luckily these bikes last forever so more opportunities to ride!

[@liammcgough9969]

I totally agree with you about the way vintage bikes ride. I ride a 1985 Cannondale SR300. People always mentioned how nice all the crome on the bike looks. Vintage is timeless.

[@newoldsteel]

Those older Cannondales are absolutely beautiful! 100% agreed. Thanks for watching!

[@markymarknj]

I just bought a 1986 ST-500 this summer! The LBS had taken one in trade years ago, but he was a bit too small to ride it regularly. I asked him to take it down, so I could try it on; it fit me PERFECTLY! I then asked if I could possibly give it a home, and he said yeah. I paid him $150 for the bike, and I've put another $400 or so into it refurbishing it and having the middle Biopace chainring changed out. It originally had a 50/44/28 setup, which is too high for my area; I live in a hilly area and I'm older, so lower gearing is a must. He happened to have a 38 tooth Biopace chainring laying around, so he swapped out the middle ring for me. It'll have a more sensible 50/38/28 triple crank up front now. The bike itself is painted in azure blue metallic-SWEET! Not only is it painted in my favorite color blue; it's the favorite shade of my favorite color. Had it been any other color, I could have and would have passed on it. It has the Shimano 600 groupset, which is the predecessor to the Ultegra line; 1986 was the first year for the 600 groupset, having changed over from the previous Suntour Cyclone and Superbe group. It has the original 27" Rigida rims and it has brazed on, downtube shifters. Like I said, it's a SWEET ride! Now that it's geared more appropriately, I look forward to putting some miles on it... :)

[@dalton-at-work]

loved my cannondale 400, til it got stolen! i got it back but it had been spraypainted fully assembled and ruined.

[@MetalTeamster]

You are so right ! Brutal honesty , we all with a very few exceptions could be in better shape. I bought two brand new bikes in the 1970s, a 74 Peugeot, and a 78 Motobecane. I put 5900 miles on the 74 and 4200 miles on the 78. I stopped riding in 1981 when I became an adult and started riding motorcycles. 10k miles as a kid on vintage French 10 speeds, when those vintage bikes were new. There is nothing wrong with old bikes. They were state of the art in the 1970s compared to the huge wheel bikes of 80 years before....

[@newoldsteel]

@@MetalTeamster thanks I appreciate that! Yea I have motorcycle experience myself after learning cycling but luckily rediscovered cycling due to these vintage bikes. Thanks for watching!

[@heshamshehab6502]

Vintage road bikes are beautiful and durable

[@newoldsteel]

100%! This bike will last me my whole life and beyond. Thanks for commenting!

[@kanukster]

Great video! I watched it as I prepared to go out on my vintage pinarello full campy 23 C tires...61 years old!

[@newoldsteel]

@@kanukster that sounds like a stunning build. Glad you are still riding! Thanks for watching!

[@ianwilde1800]

love my vintage bikes had modern ones but allways go back to vintage the classic look and the simplicity

[@newoldsteel]

@@ianwilde1800 exactly, it always pulls you back eventually! Thanks for watching

[@BruceChastain]

I love my all road bike with 35mm tires, perfect for all the florida weirdness, you know sometimes you might have to dive off road here and there.

[@newoldsteel]

@@BruceChastain 100% true! Sometimes you just absolutely have to go off-road and the thin tires aren’t fun doing that lol. Thanks for watching!

[@kayasper6081]

Yes! Good to see you on that fantastic bike. Here another who still goes on a now "vintage" one. 20 years ago I was the only one in my racing club who still owned a steel racing bike, refusing to give it up. But almost always the first to reach the summit😎 Now, much older, I STILL race the very same steel bike, and I am still among the very first to arrive😊 It is not in the bike, it is in the legs. You can't "buy" being fast. Keep on the beautiful vintage no-nonsens filosofy!

[@newoldsteel]

@@kayasper6081 exactly! Having the fitness plus on a steel bike is so satisfying! Thanks for watching!

[@SuperCanonshooter]

One of the strongest and fastest cyclists I’ve seen in our area still rides a vintage down tube shifter.. the bike is so much fun to look at while I’m barely keeping up with him🤣🤣🤣

[@newoldsteel]

Oh nice! Love to hear that! That's what I strive to be haha. Thanks for watching!

[@corydee123]

One of my new secret obsessions is pulling the worst 10 speeds out of the trash, putting new tubes and tires on them and riding them the hardest they've ever been ridden in 30 years.

[@newoldsteel]

@@corydee123 YES AMEN TO THAT! There’s something about bringing them to a speed they probably never experienced and how good they feel at speed too! Almost like an unknown frontier because everyone else is on carbon fiber/new stuff!

[@corydee123]

@@newoldsteel it's an absolute thrill! these bikes literally sing once they are up to speed, old bikes have so much left to give.

[@geraldriddick635]

You are so like me👍🚴 best KZbin video I have ever seen. So full of common sense and genuine love for cycling. Take care bud. I live in north England.

[@newoldsteel]

Thank you for your comment I truly appreciate it! You as well ride on!

[@petejay75]

I love older frames combined with modern parts, especially with a modern wheelset. I think you can appreciate the ride characteristics of a steel frame even more with newer wheels (not aero though). My last bike had an 11 speed 105 groupset and hit all the marks for me, as I like riding on the hoods most of the time anyway.

[@newoldsteel]

Oh yea the older frames when compatible can be complimented so well with modern components it's such a great experience. Thanks for watching!

[@chriswright9096]

You make some great points. I have a modern carbon road bike, but often I find myself reaching for my 80s and 90s steel frames.

[@newoldsteel]

Thanks for watching I appreciate it! I do somethings think I should get a modern bike so I can have an opinion on that, but so many folks who do and also vintage bikes, go back to the vintage bike often!

[@markymarknj]

I have two road bikes, both of which are from 1986. I have a Marukin M-420 with and Ishiwata 025 CroMo frame that I've had since new. This past spring, my LBS had a Cannondale ST-500 that he'd taken in on trade, and it was just hanging from the ceiling hooks. It was a bit too big for the LBS owner, but it fit me fine. I'll give more details about each bike below. The Marukin has been modified through the years though. During its first overhaul around the turn of the Century, my old LBS in Jersey swapped out the crap steel chrome wheels for brushed aluminum ones; they're still 27" though. He also installed a 7 speed cog in lieu of the six speed unit that originally came with the bike; the overall gear ratio was the same, but it had one more step. It has Suntour, clamp-on downtube shifters. And yes, it has rim brakes; they're single pivot Dia Compes that work just fine. Because I moved from the flat terrain of the shore to a hilly area, I'm having the original Sakae crankset changed out. Because it's a vintage bike, finding chainrings with the right bolt pattern is a challenge. The original Sakae crankset, like yours, is a 52/42, and that's just too tall for the area I live in. My LBS guy found me a Sunrace 50/34 crank that'll fit. As for the derailleurs, I'm swapping out the original Suntour ARx for a Cyclone 7000 on the rear, and a Cyclone on the front. It's a lovely riding bike, and as long as I'm drawing breath, I'm not parting with it. Then, I saw the Cannondale in the shop. Had it been any other color than azure blue metallic, I could have and would have passed on it. But no, not only is it my favorite color (blue); it's my favorite SHADE of my favorite color! I tried on the bike, and it fit me. He sold it to me for $150, and I've put another $400 into it. He refurbed it, and I just had the middle chainring swapped out. It originally came with a 50/44/38. Not only is the gearing a bit tall; the jump from the middle ring to the big ring is so small that it's easy to overshoot shifts. Fortunately, my LBS guy doesn't like to see things end up in landfills, so he keeps things and repurposes them whenever and wherever possible. He had a 38 tooth Biopace ring that fit perfectly, so I had it swapped out to be able to ride the bike. And what a WONDERFUL ride that old Cannondale is! Though it's billed as one of their touring bikes, she feels racy. I am so looking forward to ENJOYING it now that it's geared so I can ride it. Now, it has a more sensible 50/38/28 triple chainring. 1986 was the first year of the Shimano 600 groupset, which is original and almost mint. The whole bike is almost mint, as the previous owner didn't ride it much. The bike has rim brakes, 27" Rigida rims, and brazed on downtube shifters. I LOVE IT and I'm looking forward to riding that sweet, vintage Cannondale! Come to think of it, I've ridden nothing but vintage road bikes. They're fun; they ride nice; they're unique; and I just like looking at them. They're BEAUTIFUL! Since my vintage road bikes suit my needs, I have no desire to upgrade. And WTF would I upgrade anyway? So I can have extremist geometry that's biased either to touring or racing? So I can have PITA brifters vs. my reliable downtube shifters? Like you, I'm not a weight weenie. What's the point? I need to lose at least 30# from my midsection first! That's why I got back into riding this year: to lose weight, get fit, and have fun doing it. As far as physics is concerned, the total rolling mass (i.e. bike and rider) is the same; if I lose weight, then I'll be better off, as the total rolling mass will be a lot less. That's not to say that I don't appreciate the technological marvels that are modern bikes and components; they are! For a pro rider, they make all the sense in the world. For riders like me? Not so much. As long as I'm healthy and drawing breath, I'll keep my vintage road bikes, TYVM, and I'll keep enjoying them too! Ride on... :)

[@newoldsteel]

@@markymarknj I’ve seen Marukins recently and they are seriously stunning and not talked about too much so I’m stoked you have experienced them! Also those older cannondales are some of the most beautiful framesets I’ve seen and have been looking for one locally. Cannondale really hit the nail on the head with their paintjobs back then. That’s LBS sounds like a true keeper and my wishes for it to always be around. Thanks for watching and the support I truly appreciate it!

[@markymarknj]

@@newoldsteel I LOVE my Marukin! Back when I got it, Fuji was big, having become a thing in the 70s. The Marukin offered Fuji quality without the Fuji price. I'm having the gearing modified precisely so I can continue to experience that bike. That lugged, Ishiwata CroMo frame is a thing of BEAUTY! Both in terms of aesthetics and ride quality, it's a thing of beauty. Back when I was in college, there was a bike shop on the way home where I'd get stuff I needed. I told the guy about my Marukin, and he wanted to buy it; he wanted the bike for its frame and frame geometry. Even back in the late 90s-early 2000s, road bike geometry was going to extremes; road bikes going to geometries that favored either touring or racing. OTOH, vintage road bikes have a geometry that splits the difference, making them suitable and enjoyable for any kind of riding, and this guy knew it. Every time I popped in to get something, he'd ask if it was for sale; every time, the answer was no-for obvious reasons. My Marukin and Cannondale aren't going anywhere as long as I'm alive. And yes, my LBS IS a keeper! Since I got back into biking this year, I've happily dropped at least $1.5K there. I usually have him special order stuff for me just to help him out. Oh and BTW, I had him refurb my 1999 Raleigh M30 rigid MTB, or ATB as I prefer to call it, since that's how I use it. I spent $350 with him to refurb and upgrade it (mainly a new crank with removable chainrings in place of the old Altus stamped crank it came with). He also took in a 2009ish Fuji Nevada 4.0 hardtail on trade. I liked it, tried it on, it fit, so I got it. I paid $150 for the bike, and another $350 for him to refurb and upgrade it, a la my Raleigh. Both my ATBs have 3x7 drivetrains, just as God intended! I'm no fan of 1x drivetrains, and that's all MTBs come with these days. The Fuji is now my daily rider; it's the bike I hop on whenever I go bebopping on the bike path, local streets, or both. As you can see, I have a thing for older bikes. I much prefer 26ers to the 29ers, and I prefer rim brakes to discs. I understand why 29ers and discs became a thing, but that's beyond what I need or want for the riding I do. I'm just a regular, overweight guy who rides to get fit, lose weight, get around, and have fun doing it. While I appreciate the newer bikes and tech, I'm not a racer or pro, so they're beyond me. VINTAGE BIKES FOREVER!

[@Truthasvictim]

That's exactly why when my old Athena 8 speed had had its day this spring I totally revamped it going to silver 11 speed mechanical and rim brake Campagnola with new Scirrocco wheels on my steel SL frame and it's not only gorgeous to look at, but great to ride too. Nice looking bike!

[@newoldsteel]

Thanks! And that sounds like an amazing setup. I do need to try campagnolo as they kept the silver finishes a little bit longer back in the day!

[@craigbrady73]

gorgeous bike you've there fella. reminds me of my first racer. BSA from the mid 80s. i do miss that bike.

[@newoldsteel]

Thanks for that! Those bikes were beautiful. Hopefully one day you can snag another one out there!

[@joedenatale4176]

Thanks for this video on vintage bikes. You have convinced me to take out my 1980 Mercier bike with all French parts. Your right about maintenance is very easier. When I got he bike back in 1980 it was a tad to big for me. But I grew into it. Over the years I kept on adjusting it as I grew, and it was easy to do. Next time I take it out I will do some checking up, tune it , lub and take it for a spin.

[@newoldsteel]

Awesome! Glad to hear you still have it and with a proper tune up, it's gonna ride so good. Mercier bikes are so beautiful. Thanks for watching!

[@kellyspann9845]

I ride a Trek aluminum 1400 that I bought new 33 years ago and absolutely love. Everything is original except for the tires of course. It has the original brake and gear cables and it has the down tube shifters and shifts like a dream. I have no trouble shifting those. I love them. It has all original Shimano 105 components. Everyone is in that carbine frame stuff. To me they are no better then mine. Sure they are lighter but so what. It doesn't make you faster. If your not in shape than a lighter bike isn't going to help you. My friends laugh that I still ride a vintage bike but I am usually always ahead of them and I laugh at them about their 3 thousand dollar bikes. I ride almost everyday and will be going on a ride at day break. Agree with everything you said about the vintage bikes. Thank you for a great video !

[@newoldsteel]

That’s so cool you have an old Aluminum Trek, that’s a bike I want to try soon! There’s a bunch second hand around the central Florida area. But you are right! If you got the fitness, spending more money is not going to make a difference!

[@mattialemboluscari8774]

A lighter bike does _by definition_ make you faster in the climbs. Sure as hell you could be a better rider than your friends but the point stands, as you would objectively and undoubdtely be faster on with a couple of kilos less

[@kellyspann9845]

@@mattialemboluscari8774 But for what reason ! I'm not a pro rider so it doesn't make any difference weather its carbon or aluminum. I climb just fine on my bike. Yes if I'm trying to shave a few seconds off my time in a race ok but I'm not so I can't justify it. Most of the people I know don't need them but it's their money. They are nice I have ridden one but wasn't that impressed. For my type of riding I don't need it. If it helps other people than that's great.

[@klpinvestments]

I bought the Trek 1400 back in 1989. That was my first road bike. White with red decals.

[@tylerbutzer5183]

I own 3 bikes being, 2 mountain(11 years apart, 1989-2000), 1 road, all steel. Love them all from my Bridgestone MB-6 to my quirky Softride and even the humble 1990 Trek 420. Steel is real.

[@newoldsteel]

@@tylerbutzer5183 all of those bikes are killer bikes! Love to hear that. Thanks for watching!

[@ajmaietta]

I ultimately gave it to a coworker because the frame was several inches too big for me, but I loved the 7k or so miles I put on the 1987 Miyata I used to ride around Chicago with. It was like a couch on top of a motorcycle. Helped me in the decision to go to a steel Surly and keep the same ride feel and ease-of maintenance

[@newoldsteel]

@@ajmaietta dang I know that feeling where you have a nice bike but the size is a bit big! But Surly bikes are such an amazing company in the modern age and super good quality. Thanks for watching!

[@random8539]

Currently riding both a vintage and a modern bike (etap/carbon wheels). They’re both great, a modern carbon frame with carbon wheels and 28/30c tubeless setup is also very comfortable due to the lower tire pressure. Most important thing is to keep riding on whatever bike you have and enjoy it.

[@newoldsteel]

@@random8539 exactly that’s the bottom line no matter what! Thanks for watching!

[@keithnewton1966]

Couldn’t have said it better myself. I’m having a hard time with the unnecessary complexity and prices of the latest and greatest road bikes. It’s nice to see younger riders appreciating down tube shifting, however I do like the latest wheels that have come to market.

[@newoldsteel]

@@keithnewton1966 for real especially those crazy prices! Thanks for watching!

[@chesterthomas5093]

Nice to see a younger person like yourself appreciating a frame and parts that many would consider “obsolete”. I recently purchased a Bridgestone RB-1 from the early 90’s, rebuilt it with as many shiny parts as I could, kept the bar-end shifters (which shifters flawlessly, but take some getting used to), threw on the fattest rubber I could, and ride it frequently. It’s lighter, faster, and more comfortable than my modern steel bike, and there’s just something to be said about old skinny tubed lugged steel frames and quill stems. The ride quality is next level, and that built in flex smooths out the rough surfaces and gives it a lively feel. Steel is real!

[@newoldsteel]

@@chesterthomas5093 that sounds like a killer build! And seriously if you know, you know. The ride feel is so distinctive and glad you know what I mean!

[@bradsanders6954]

Ive had my 1990 MASI since 1990, its a great bike, has shiny Ultegra 9 speed parts since 9 speed first came out. Very shiny hubs/crank/stem/bars/brakes, the sliver shiny parts really stand out on rides with modern bikes black/bland parts. I had to put SORA 9 speed brifters on when the Ultegras wore out. They shift better than the Ultegra ever did. Out of all bikes Ive ridden, the MASI is the fastest downhill, totally stable steers like a dream. Tucks into downhill corners like a slot car. The OEM paint doesnt have a scratch, its been lucky, been hauled out to century rides, lots of rides.

[@newoldsteel]

Oh my that’s good luck not having issues with the paint! That’s tough to keep a bike pristine like that but so worth it when it handles like you mentioned. Thanks for watching!

[@cecilecorpuz5735]

I'm from the steel road bike era and I'm still riding 70's/80's lugged steel bikes, friction shifting tubular tires and clips and straps I've never raced, but I did log many miles on lugged steel it served me well then and still serves me well today, so to say no biggie no need for over priced current day carbon bike junk. I'm a custom wheel builder and I'll have a variety of different wheel sets for different rides and road conditions, funny thing I built most of my friends and customer wheels with the similar rear end spacing as my own wheel sets, one day I was on a ride with a few others and we had a broom wagon following us just so happens the driver, his bike was in the bed of the truck just so happens I built those wheels as well, during a long and fast down hill run I was having a high speed wobble, I stopped to check my rear wheel but it was still straight and true so got back on it then started to ride again, but the wobble was still there, so I stopped again to check on my wheels once again anyway as I was grabbing the tire, the thread cover simply peeled off! Without asking I grabbed the wheel off of the bike that was in the truck and slammed it onto my bicycle and off I went. The most modern item that I will use on my bikes will be 80's era aero brake levers. As the age old saying goes, steel is real.

[@newoldsteel]

@@cecilecorpuz5735 what an insane story glad you’re ok! But for real these steel bikes especially lugged ones will never die! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@nerigarcia7116]

I love bikes and I have a vintage steel Moser, in my stable, that I fixed up. I love riding that thing, it's so smooth. It does take a little more work to get it up to speed, but I'm not racing for anything. I got tired of chasing the latest tech and carbon models changing every year and I always go back to something classic looking. I also have a modern, custom built, steel Speedvagen that I love. It's a classic look with all the modern bells and whistles.

[@newoldsteel]

Moser bikes are absolutely beautiful! Nice to hear you have one. Exactly, when you're free of that never ending chase, it's freedom feeling again on a bike! Thanks for watching!

[@LowGearDisciple]

There will always be someone on the internet who will express something that you/I cannot express.

[@brucetaylor607]

Your video is so dope that I watched it twice. I have a vintage 1998 Cannondale USA R200 CAAD 2 with '97 Shimano 600 8 spd SIS group, Cinelli XA stem and handlebars, Mavic CXP 30 wheelset on 600 hubs, Michelin Pro 4 700x23, Selle Italia Flite saddle with titanium rails. It's in beautiful condition and rides like a dream. It gets a lot of attention when I ride in Central Park in NYC. It's my baby and I love ❤️ it. In May 2020 I purchased a modern road bike, a Cannondale CAAD 13 with Shimano Ultegra 8000 11 spd groupset with Mavic Aksium wheels and Michelin Dynamic Sport 700×25. Whether STEEL IS REAL or CLASSIC 6061 ALUMINUM, ain't nothing more beautiful than riding your vintage road bike with classic parts on a classic frame. Thank you for this awesome video.

[@newoldsteel]

@@brucetaylor607 seriously thank you so much for watching twice! I’m stoked you have a CAAD 2 and a CAAD 13! I had a CAAD 10 back then and it was stellar. Keep on riding!

[@anthonyjones1179]

I'm building a late 90s steel bike right now with relatively modern components, it has a 1" aheadset with a sleeve to use a modern stem.

[@newoldsteel]

Very cool! That's actually what I did after this vid I did the conversion too to use the modern stem. Thanks for watching!

[@atveekrem]

Nice video. I still ride my 1983 Pro Miyata that I built with Dura Ace AX components back then. 40+ years on and still going strong. New wheels in ‘88 or ‘89, Mavic rims and Suntour hubs, so it has been “modernized!” And newer pedals with cleats and no leather straps. Change out the leather Brooks saddle every other decade and you’re good to go! Ride on..

[@newoldsteel]

@@atveekrem that sounds like a killer setup that will never quit! Thank you so much for watching and ride on as well!

[@ilikewasabe]

Still ride my grandfather’s 90’s steel mtb converted to 650b’s 9spd friction shift ATB drop bar. It still slaps! It was too big for me when he bought it but now fits like a glove! Ride it more than my road bike and probly my kids will ride it too after im gone.

[@newoldsteel]

That’s awesome! And you are right these bikes last forever! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@lee1210mk2]

I have two bikes so far, a gravel, road (both carbon) and my next is a steel one. A bike for each mindset, the steel one aimed at relaxed, chill days 💪🏼💪🏼 Thanks for your video, well done.

[@newoldsteel]

Exactly! You can still go fast but don’t feel obligated to and makes the ride more enjoyable. Thanks for watching!

[@johnphillips5301]

Great video and philosophy on vintage bikes. There is something about these bikes that will always scream "classic". Love the channel.

[@newoldsteel]

Thank you so much for watching! Glad to hear appreciation for these bikes!

[@muning9577]

old but gold 😊

[@abigbadzebra]

I didn't really get into bikes until 2019 (in my late 30's). Shopping for a bike, the FOMO was strong. I usually end up going mid range, best bang for the buck, mostly cause I am cheap and explaining to the wife that a $1200 bike is normal was a shock to her. I ended up with an aluminum Giant Contend AR1 with Shimano 105 for my first purchase. Then I got a great deal on a LOOK carbon frame bike from 2019 with Ultegra Di2. Then I bought a couple old Bianchi steel frame bikes from the mid 80's with non-indexed downtube shifters. I was so impressed with the steel frame feel. All that said, they are all fun to ride and now I'm so glad I didn't buy any $1500+ bikes cause they all get the job done, and I constantly mix it up and decide on the fly which I will ride. I am also restoring one of the Bianchis. Oh, I also have a mountain bike. Yeah, that makes 5 bikes :)

[@newoldsteel]

Oh yea that literally sounds like my story too. Glad to hear though you were able to experience the steel and are restoring the Bianchis! Those are always so good looking and have yet to get one. I'm trying to keep the total of bikes down to 3 but it's almost impossible haha. Thanks for watching!

[@cypriano8763]

when i was 14 i got a Marinoni steel road bike, that was in 1988. still ride it. original parts. god it must have like 50000ks on it, no idea really. these old bike are so reliable. honestly my strava times in between my tcr sl and that bike are so close its scary.

[@DaddySucrose]

Wow! I have a Marinoni too. 1984 and I was 14. And got into racing with the Scarborough Cycling club! I still ride mine too! Mixed bag of components as I built it, campy, dureace, modolo, Mavic… 🚴♾️

[@newoldsteel]

@@cypriano8763 that’s so awesome to hear! Seriously their durability is so good that I’m even riding this bike from 92 and have every intention to pass it down to my kid, and then theirs etc as if it’s taken care of, it legit could do that. Thanks for watching!

[@rodjonsson813]

The 1" steerer is a big factor in the compliance; that and older box section rims too.

[@erasus7388]

I do rly like vintage bikes, but i cant warm up with the downtube shifting. I just restored an older bianchi and added an 11-28 in the back and got the standart 42-52 in the front with brake shifters and im absolutly in love with it

[@newoldsteel]

@@erasus7388 oh awesome! Vintage Bianchi are always so good looking especially paired with a 52/42 crankset! Thanks for watching!

[@triumphrider9396]

I’ve never owned anything but a steel frame bike, either road, cross, or mountain. 85’ish Bianchi Volpe for cross, 2006 Bianchi MUSS for mountain and my most recent acquisition and current favorite is a 1996 Bianchi TSX. It’s a work of art.

[@newoldsteel]

@@triumphrider9396 100%! I don’t think I’ll ever get another frame material, it’s too satisfying. Thanks for watching!

[@harryadams4070]

I have carbon and aluminium framed bikes but I also ride a steel frame I bought in 1992. Made with Reynolds 653 it has 130mm rear spacing. It has the original Shimano 7 speed indexed down tube levers. However, on these indexed levers you can convert to friction mode (no clicking) and I now run 9 speed. I could easily use 10 or 11 speed also. The groupset is polished silver 105. I did convert to carbon forks which did away with the quill stem. I only ride this bike April to September in dry weather and I have three wheelsets for it, including a pair of 38mm deep carbon ones. Lovely to ride.

[@newoldsteel]

@@harryadams4070 love to hear it regarding the downtube shifter compatibility, that’s what’s so cool about them. I had a friction only setup in the past and it was even easier to work on/set up. Thanks for watching!

[@fellspoint9364]

Still getting it done on my old ‘84 Trek 520 which I ride everywhere on 32 mm Gatorskins……I don’t tour anymore with it but it still serves as a great around town bike with a sweet , smooth ride.

[@newoldsteel]

@@fellspoint9364 love those bikes! And 32 size seems like a great balance. Thanks for watching and keep on riding that beautiful bike!

[@mr.rodriguez3512]

Hi..... nice video! I still have my 1992 Schwinn Paramount Series 3, bought it brand new. Came with full Shimano RX100 7 speed down tube shifting. Series 7 came with Shimano 600 Ultegra 1st generation dual shifting, so later, I upgraded my Series 3. Years later, I upgraded to Shimano 105 5800. But when I bought the 2022 Ritchey Logic 50th Anniversary frameset, I took off the 5800 for the Ritchey and installed back the 600 Ultegra. I never succumbed to the carbon fiber Dark Side. Every time I go for a group ride, I'm the exotic bird because nobody else rides steel.😂

[@newoldsteel]

@@mr.rodriguez3512 those paramounts are stunning! And Shimano 600 is a killer groupset! Keep on being the exotic bird it’s always worth it to have that one of a kind!

[@peterenglish7982]

I want to go back to this, that bike looks class. The only thing I would change would be a modern stem set up and get new square shallow bars

[@newoldsteel]

Thanks! Yep, this works so well with a quill stem adaptor so I've run threadless no problem with compact drop bars and it still feels amazing!

[@juliuscaesar4802]

Hi Amateur rider and mechanic I’m rocking two old bianchis a 1988 campion d italia and a 2006 veloce both with a Campagnolo veloce 10 speed group set in silver , there beautiful ❤

[@newoldsteel]

@@juliuscaesar4802 oh wow those sound absolutely beautiful! Especially with Campagnolo! Thanks for watching!

[@Scott-ph2yk]

Sun Tour Superbe Pro groupset was really good stuff back in the day. Still riding my 1990 Merlin Extralight with Campy Chorus. 32 spoke Mavic tubular rims. You are so right about maintenance ease, braking is limited by the size of the tire contact patch, and fitness being the most important performance factor. Vintage bikes rock. Get out and ride. Ride the bike you like.😊

[@newoldsteel]

@@Scott-ph2yk I’ve heard so much good things about Superbe pro line! It’s a shame Suntour went the way they did. That’s awesome you are still riding that and stoked you get it as well with fitness and braking! Thanks for watching!

[@jeremynorth]

Superbe Pro was by far the best in its day and beautiful too. I have both the 7 & 8 speed versions on two of my bikes

[@paulmcknight4137]

100% with ya. In '84 I bought a DeRosa frame, replica of the last bikes Eddy Merckx rode, Columbus SL, investment cast lugs, the first or second year they were imported into the US, built up with Campy Super Record, Cinelli bars and 1A quill stem, and 36 spoked wheels. I've ridden it everywhere, about 75,000 miles. It still rides as well as new. It steers intuitively, climbs liked a bandit and descends like a motorcycle. The flat fork crown absorbs shocks really well, always appreciated at mile 85. The hubs are going strong on the third set of rims. So impressed, I sprang for a custom frame, SLX, SP, with fenders and rear rack for commuting and foul weather riding. Nothing beats old fashioned cup and cone, square tapered bottom brackets. They're making a comeback. The short cable run of down tube shifters shifts without slop. Meching in three different shops, I've had many opportunities to "upgrade" to the latest click shifting carbon but passed, after repairing tons of these bikes, deciding they wouldn't be a trouble free as what I have.

[@newoldsteel]

That is such an awesome setup and expected for it to last this long with no trouble! Square taper is my favorite and I don’t want to ever change that. Thanks for watching!

[@Phlakaton88]

Got a steel gravel bike... feels amazing. Always loved my steel in the 80s.

[@newoldsteel]

@@Phlakaton88 that’s the ultimate a steel gravel bike! I got one too but it’s slightly big but still works. Thanks for watching!

[@klpinvestments]

Nothing wrong with that bike at all. I first got interested in cycling in 1989 watching that awesome Tour de France. All my cycling heroes of that era were riding a bike like this. I still remember the decals: Moser. Carrera. Panasonic. Colnago. Bottechia. Pinarello. Bianchi. Ciocc.

[@gcvrsa]

The reason black finishes have become so prevalent is because they are cheaper, obviously. More profit for the manufacturer. Polishing and plating metal is expensive. And yeah, I'm with you. Polished aluminium alloy and chrome looks so much nicer.

[@newoldsteel]

You are correct! I didn't know this before this vid but you and another person mentioned that and it 100% makes sense. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@jonathangapay1724]

One day, I'd like to build myself a retro themed steel bike. Not quite vintage parts, as they are hard to find here, but I'll try to get as much silver on the bike as I can. 😁 All my current bikes are steel, and have a mix of mechanical disc, hydraulic disc, rim brakes, sometimes brakeless. Another rim brake bike will be welcome.

[@newoldsteel]

I can see how it's hard to find at certain locations. But so cool your current bikes are steel! And another rim brake bike is always a plus. Thanks for watching!

[@wvhaugen]

My partner and I still ride 531 DB bikes that are older than you are. And they work great!

[@newoldsteel]

That is so awesome to hear! And best part, they will work great for a very looong time! Thanks for watching

[@hatbpto5180]

I ride a variety of old steel bikes. One rule I have is that in order to qualify as being one of my bicycles, they have to have at least one French part: Bethoud saddle on my training bike, Mavic 650A rims on my 70's Huffy Sportsman 3-speed, Mafac cantilevers on my fitness bike.

[@newoldsteel]

That's an awesome rule! i definitely love those Mafac brakes, they are so stylish and saw in another video they stop really well even in the wet. Thanks for watching!

[@bikenraider99]

Love my vintage steel. I have several flavors of steel: Reynolds 520/525/853, Tange, Columbus. It just feels right.

[@newoldsteel]

@@bikenraider99 that is so cool to hear the variety you have! All have their own character which makes it even more fun. Thanks for watching!

[@jocap3837]

As a college kid without money, here's what I plan to have: > a vintage bike > Buy great tires (invest in tires or you'll have to buy tons of tire tubes) > budget chain and cassette > any newer shape hoods (even cheap used STI) > use 105 or dura-ace brake pads 90% there!

[@newoldsteel]

@@jocap3837 heck yea that’s an awesome plan and glad to hear you’re close!

[@stevenwoodies2659]

I love steel, the count! 4 steel , 1 newer trek aluminum, got to have a bike to sit on the trainer 😅

[@jameselms7342]

Lovely video dude. Florida looks dreamy by bike. I enjoy the utility of my 1986 Koga Miyata daily. It’s a time machine space ship.

[@newoldsteel]

@@jameselms7342 oh yea it’s still a blast riding out here! Oh my Koga Miyatas are STUNNING I want to get one one day myself. Thanks for watching!

[@armandovargas5434]

Love everything about this. Thanks for putting this out there. Keep it up! Cheers

[@newoldsteel]

@@armandovargas5434 glad to hear you enjoyed it! Thank you for watching I truly appreciate it!

[@dpixvid]

Have a motobacane steel... too many hills and low mtns in Piedmont of SC... you’re in flat Florida 😊. When I rode in the Midwest i could go for miles on a steel - flat as all get out. Commuted in NorCal with the Moto...not too bad but up in the mountains brutal... now I set it up for stationary in the winter.

[@markmorton5280]

My first road bike, and so far ONLY road bike, was purchased new in the early 70s. For a number of years it had been switched to a longer reach black stem, but now that I’m retired and focused on age-appropriate comfort, I found a sleek silver SR quill stem in a bin in the basement that gave me a comfy reach. But I don’t like wearing shades, so the sun glare was harsh on midday rides. I applied a strip of electrical tape on top. Tacky? Yes, please! Wouldn’t mind a suite of anodized “graphite” color components, had I a magic wand.

[@newoldsteel]

@@markmorton5280 oh nice! That is actually a great solution for that because sometimes the silver can reflect so bright! Thanks for watching!

[@frankducett9]

Try TPU tubes and it will improve the ride. It's like going from a carbon steel to a Reynold 531 frame.

[@jamesajjr72]

I’m Hooked! TPU only

[@Hertog_von_Berkshire]

You'd love my 1955 Rotrax. Silver hubs, rims, spokes, pedals, centrepull brakes, brake levers, front & rear brake hangers, shifter, rear mech, bars, stem, seat post, shorty mudguards, chainset, pump and lamp bracket. Headset, saddle, bar tape, chain, tyres and bottle cage are black to balance it out. Paintwork is copper. Head badge and bell are gold.

[@jessmolfod2541]

I once owned a 1987 custom Marinoni. All Campy Victory group. 7 speed 12-19 freewheel/52/42 crankset. Mavic GP4 rims, Vittoria tubulars. Selle Turbo saddle. Red/white fade paint job. It was designed for criteriums but it was my triathlon bike. Oh Mama…the Italian bike, she rides like the wind! Had to sell it for cash about 14 years ago; worst decision of my life. I still do triathlon but now I have a carbon fiber Kestrel TT. My road bike is still steel, a Surly Pacer with 32mm Conti All Seasons. I love my rides, but ohhhh, that Marinoni…💔

[@trevorbozzer4562]

Marinoni is built by an Italian but is a Canadian manufacturered bike. Montreal to be exact. They are still around and will build steel frames to order.

[@Raymond-Farts]

That is an awesome bike my friend. I can't wait to receive my custom steel bike from Chris Bishop, a cuatom frame builder in Baltimore. It mimics vintage all the way through except for the Campagnolo Centaur Erg levers, but I did get the aluminum levers style. I also built my own wheels because I wanted all shiny silver. No carbon on this bike. I'm sick and tired of the black component options that are out there today too. I have a modern titanium bike with Dura-Ace Di2 11 speed and hydraulic disc brakes, and I like it, but I think the new lugged steel bike from Bishop is going to be my favorite. Seeing your bike is making me even more anxious.

[@newoldsteel]

@@Raymond-Farts oh boy that’s awesome to hear!! Yea it’s just just a timeless exciting thing these vintage and steel bikes, silver components that the new stuff can never replicate. Thanks for watching!

[@HunterAtheist]

15:21 My favorite part of dt shifters is the fact you can adjust both derailleurs at once with one hand. This comes in handy when you're needing to fine tune the front when shifting on the cassette. There's something more visceral about the lack of cable housing on a dt shifter setup. Absolutely no room for housing compression or drag caused by friction in the housing. The only housing ison the rear derailleur and it's one small piece compared to an STI setup where you have much more housing and a longer cable run with more points of friction.

[@newoldsteel]

@@HunterAtheist exactly! Definitely something I didn’t mention but less cable housing that you have to cut, potentially replace or lubricate, it’s a plus not having to deal with it!

[@paulmcknight4137]

And when the cable starts unraveling at the shifter you feel and see it.

[@sed8181]

@@newoldsteel I bought a used bike last year and the stupid shifters suck and are impossible for a human to even assemble. I took them apart to fix them and didn't realize I would need special tools to get a spring back in. I hated the shifters so much I just bought (a much cheaper) single speed bike to replace it. The gearing is perfect for me. I can still climb relatively steep hills while also being able to maintain high enough speed on flats. Simple parts are a huge benefit.

[@newoldsteel]

@@sed8181 oh yea, sometimes the older stuff can wind up not working out. But yes, going single speed is even better and simpler!

[@thegoodwheel]

Wow. Suntour! I haven't heard that brand in a while. Nice setup.

[@ronbell7920]

I run Suntour Superbe Pro on my 1977 PX - 10! 43 years old, light and look and function beautifully!

[@newoldsteel]

Thank you so much! Yea it’s cool to have since it’s been kind of forgotten and still works great! But sometimes so hard to find specific parts

[@jastiksk8crw]

I’d say the same for group b rally cars, for example. Man there are some old monster machines that straight rip, carve, hop, accelerate, stop, look fast and are still a challenger to modern. Even with the wireless drivetrains and huge gear ranges… My Bianchi says you better ride good and pack a lunch 2001 XL Boron Reparto Corse - Professional Cycling Team Paint Scheme, with bianchi xl Levation wheel set (F wheel has 16 spokes😂 Good fun

[@newoldsteel]

@@jastiksk8crw b rally cars are absolutely insane! Love it. Thanks for watching!

[@mattbleuer5011]

There is no need to go wider than 23mm tires on a vintage steel bike. Those frames are just more comfortable and flexy than a modern carbon or aluminum bike and they are perfectly fine with 23mm, 100psi, etc.

[@buster.keaton]

Unless you live in Florida, riding high PSI tires just transfers road shock to your body, causing you to fatigue early. Not only that, trying to fix a flat roadside is so much more difficult when you have to pump your tires to 100+ PSI. Today's modern tires and rims work best at nearly half that pressure which is way more comfortable, easy to inflate, and provide as much or more grip.

[@mattbleuer5011]

@@buster.keaton So you run your road bike at 50 psi? If the roads are that bad there is no point in riding a road bike at all, better off with Mt Bike. But the point is a vintage steel bike absorbs way more road shock than a modern carbon or aluminum. Not even close.

[@davidbee9563]

In the late 80's when I started riding with a local club, I built a bike with 7 speed Campy Chorus group running 39/53 with 12 to 19 freewheel. I specified the non index shifters because the early models lacked the elegance of traditional components. Technology has improved since that time with tires and wheels and brakes. And some brands keep the old standards of threaded BBs, 1" quill stems and deeper drop bars. I have a Raleigh lightweight division bike from 1990 that fits 30mm tires and is a great balance of ride and performance. Using a blend of Reynolds 531 and 725 tubing it is a reasonable weight as well Now I mostly run 10 speed friction with bar ends. 34/50 compact gearing and 11/28 or 32 rear. I need the lower gears to get up the hills. The new light touring tires like Panaracer Gravel King slicks are quick and comfortable, with wider sizes and lower pressures. On my commuter fixed gear I was using 650x40/42 at 40/45 psi. Does wonders for broken pavement in town.

[@newoldsteel]

That was awesome to read! Great you are riding a fixed gear as well and the gravel king tires are incredible. Also compact cranks are actually lovely I’ve ridden them in the past!

[@davidbee9563]

I have ridden a fixed gear on road and track. And as a year round commuter through messy winters of snow and rain. The bike feels like an extension of your body, feet moving in sync with speed. I recently did a 55km charity ride in a nearby town. The rolling terrain had down hills at 50kph and climbs finishing at 10kph. I rode a touring bike with 650x48 semi slick tires and 38/16 fixed. A good day when the rain held off and the sun shined. Exploring mostly quiet country roads.

[@johnspooner1403]

Looks a bit like my ‘89 Centurion with Shimano 600 components. I upgraded a few components, but still have all the originals including the tulip pedals and straps. I will probably sell it, but I’d like to find someone who appreciates it like this man does.

[@newoldsteel]

@@johnspooner1403 Centurions are absolutely stunning. I’m always searching for them locally but hard to find. Hopefully you do find someone to keep it going for a long time because they will last with care! Thanks for watching!

[@julianmartin8356]

I love the classic 70s/80s retro look.☺️

[@SprayIgniteBoom]

Just picked up a ‘94 moser…can’t wait to try it! I live in NE Italy 🇮🇹 and I,’ll use the 10 speed rear cassettes on it as well ☺️😁🤣

[@newoldsteel]

@@SprayIgniteBoom I LOVE moser bikes they are always stunning! Happy to hear you got one! Enjoy it!

[@frankducett9]

Speaking of Florida. We used to train and race in Ferndale, Florida, the location of our weekend training and the annual State Roadrace Championships, using straight blocks like that. We were the Gasparilla Bike club in Tampa in the 1970s. My present-day bike is a WABI Classic singlespeed, in hilly southern Indiana.

[@racerx8410712]

For me the only thing that matters on a vtg roadie is that it can fit at least a 28. After that it's drivetrain and cockpit but those things can be remedied (quill to threadless stem adapter). I'm more about touring bikes because they typically have more clearance. I have an 84 Raleigh Alyeska with 40cs and a 9 speed cassette. Super cush and capable!

[@newoldsteel]

absolutely! Again the 23c tires are fine with this bike, but If I could fit any size in this frame minimum would be 32c. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@rothbj1]

Try to find some Simplex Retro Friction down tube levers. Lots of the Campagnolo riders back in the day would swap those in.

[@marcusathome]

Couldn't agree more! My philosophy is, though, to upgrade my old steel, especially installing brifters and go away from the downtube shifters. Best brake performance imo are center pull Weinmann's, combined with MTB brake pads.

[@newoldsteel]

@@marcusathome brifters are nice too! Older ones still have better style in my opinion but going off-road downtube shifters can get scary. Those center pulls are beautiful looking! Thanks for watching!

[@marcusathome]

@@newoldsteel I'm running 3x9 Ultegra (6503 series it is) on my gravel bike {based on a '70s randonneur frame), and it's a good fit. Looks like it belongs there!

[@thesanchezchannel8550]

Awesome video , well said all these vintage bikes are beautiful and they are made to last. EC maintenance and at the end of the day it doesn’t matter if you have and old or brand new expensive bike, you still have to pedal and put some work on it. Let’s Just enjoy the outdoors and ride just ride👍🏼🚴🚴‍♀️🚴‍♂️ Awesome video.

[@newoldsteel]

@@thesanchezchannel8550 thank you so much for watching! For real, that is 100% fact

[@jamesajjr72]

I agree so much with your outlook! I own a 2019 Cervelo R2 with Ultegra components. However, I found a vintage 1984 Trek Elance at a garage sale for $50.00 and upgraded the components to Shimano 105 and have never looked back at my Cervelo. I figured I’m just riding a bike so ride what cha like. Just can’t beat the steel feel. I don’t have to ride it fast or slow, I just like to go! You have a beautiful bike 👍

[@piltrid1]

FWIW, the Deda Elementi Murex quill stem is vintage(ish) looking, has a removable face plate and is available in several lengths allowing an easy stem check/test/swap. (Just be careful with the clamp, found it seems to need more force then expected to clamp the bars firmly)

[@newoldsteel]

@@piltrid1 oh yea I’ve seen those! I might have to obtain them because this stem is 120mm and I feel like it’s only slightly too long. Thanks for watching and commenting I appreciate it!

[@SHWELL11]

When I lived in Summerlin, Red Rock was my playground..

[@felixjackson2670]

Total agreement with each point you make. Enjoy your riding.

[@newoldsteel]

@@felixjackson2670 thank you so much! Appreciate the support!

[@BruceChastain]

bro 100% on the silver! I love a vintage aluminum stem.

[@newoldsteel]

@@BruceChastain thanks! Glad you like it and thanks for watching!