Am I nuts to buy vintage steel as a first bike?

[Bespoke]

Greetings all,

I have been quite consumed by the forums on this site and have learned a tonne! I have come to understand that advice given is typically forthright and sometimes biased, but with consideration and a justifiable skepticism regarding bike related marketing.

I am stoked to get riding but have to get over my first hurdle: the (all consuming) bike purchase. So, advice would be much appreciated.

Here's a bit of background: I am getting back into riding after many years layoff. No competitive cycling background but fairly athletic (for a guy in his 50's). I am able to ride almost daily for around an hour to two, including longer rides on weekends, say three or four hours. I may do a charitable century ride annually, starting next year and would like to consider group rides, once my skill level improves.

I've got a few options after test rides last weekend; I've narrowed it down to two current bikes that hit the value sweet spot for me (alloy - Trek 2.1 with 105, C'dale Carbon Synapse with 105) but I am intrigued by a local dude who has a collection of lovely vintage rides for sale, including this steel OLMO with Shimano 105 for half the price of the Trek, roughly a third the price of the C'dale:

https://picasaweb.google.com/108311927910610551260/1AC54cmSTCC55TTOlmoHighQualitySteelShim105800

I know and totally believe in getting fit, so that's a given. I have been superficially fit for a 54 cm frame in the current two bikes. My question is: am I nuts to consider something vintage like this?

Thanks in advance for your advice.

 

[Llewellyn]

I'd say that if it's in good condition, fits you and you can get it for a price that you're happy with, then go for it.

My main ride is steel and I have no desire to ride anything else (I'm a sucker for lugged steel frames). With a bit of luck (and careful maintenance) it should last as long as I will

 

[Notso Swift]

There is an argument that buying steel is a specialised niche, but there is another that says if you have steel and not the others you will not know the difference anyway!

Being second hand it offers better "Value" in the longer term it is also better as the bike will not depreciate, those other bike are worth nothing 5 years down the track...
The 105 on the older bike is no way near as good as new 105, but then, for the price difference you can upgrade the Olmo selectively to get a much better rig
All this is based on the frame being in good condition internally and subject to close inspection. It will be a couple og kg heavier, but lets be honest, that doesn't make much difference in the overall scheme of things

Between the Trek and the Cannondale there is no contest IMO, 'Dale every time, don't discount the Alu 'Dales, they are probably the best Alu bike in the world (CAAD series)

BTW I have a Carbon Fibre and a Steel bike for road, as an Alu mountain bike/commuter

 

[Master50]

I usually say test the water and if you get a cycling bug there are lots of cool things you will need or want. Leave some money in your pocket and gage your recommitment. Once you are again sick with bicycle fever then you just know that what ever you buy it will be the most expensive choice you can afford.

 

[42x16ss]

If the Olmo has been well maintained and you enjoy riding it, then go for it, it looks pretty sweet. Just check for corrosion, cracks etc first. As a daily rider there's nothing wrong with steel at all.

You may want to swap out the wheels sometime in the future but overall it should serve you well if you look after it.

As said above, take the Cannondale over the Trek if you decide to go for the new bike.

 

[Bespoke]

Generous advice so far; thank you.

There seems to be a general lack of love for Trek on CN forum. Why so, given the emphasis on fit and value on here as well?

 

[Master50]

Generous advice so far; thank you.

There seems to be a general lack of love for Trek on CN forum. Why so, given the emphasis on fit and value on here as well?

It is fashionable too

 

[richwagmn]

I think getting a used bike would be a great way to get back into it. You can get a decent bike for less and maybe spend a bit more on shoes, clothes, etc (which can be a substantial outlay to start).

Either of those new bikes you're interested in could probably be found on e-bay for far less than retail. If you decide you like cycling and it fits your life you could resell the used bike for not much of a loss if you decide to upgrade. Same if you decide it doesn't work for you.

 

[42x16ss]

Generous advice so far; thank you.

There seems to be a general lack of love for Trek on CN forum. Why so, given the emphasis on fit and value on here as well?

Trek are having BB issues on some of their models atm. Plus there are better riding bikes for the money, Cannondale being one of them - especially in aluminium.

 

[DirtyWorks]

Generous advice so far; thank you.

There seems to be a general lack of love for Trek on CN forum. Why so, given the emphasis on fit and value on here as well?

The lack of love is at the very highest end, absurdly priced product line. Let's be fair to Trek for a minute because some fools are going all in on them and happy about it too. So, it just depends on your perspective.

I wouldn't think twice about riding a second hand Trek if the price was right.

Be aware that Olmo was/is??? a 'full line' bike company. Meaning the quality can vary. My yardstick is if the old bike has Campag dropouts, then likely no expense was spared to create a top-of-their-line bike.

 

[fatsprintking]

I have ridden my steel colnago as my training bike for the last 20 years. no drama at all and very comfortable. No problem with Shimano 8 speed as well, but...

You need to be aware that things wear out and need replacing. By the time you look at a chain, cassette, cables, pads etc on an old bike, you can be paying as much as what you could have got a new machine.

New bikes are so good and so cheap, that unless you love old bikes, it is hard to justify buying one. A caad10 with 105 is an unbelievable bike for the money and in reality will do everything you ever want from a bike. Go for a ride on the olmo and then chuck a leg over a caad and you will see what I mean.

 

[MR_Sarcastic]

What's wrong with buying a modern hi-tech steel frame? Most of these weigh between 3 to 3-1/2 pounds. At most, you would be giving up 1 to 1-1/2 pounds over a 1 Kg frame.

 

[JayKosta]

If you are able to work on the Olmo yourself - e.g. remove & clean bearings, adjust brakes, shifters, etc.,
then there shouldn't be a problem if the bike is in OK condition to start with.

Check the wheels on the Olmo, are they tubulars, 700C clinchers, or 27 inch clinchers?
Tubulars can be a pain...
27 inch clinchers are definetely 'old school' but they work fine.
700C clinchers are the current 'standard'.

The rims should be aluminum, if they are steel they'll be quite heavy - but will still work.
I'm still riding the original steel rims on my 70's Peugeot U-08.

Don't get a bike that is too big or too small - there are lots of decent used bikes available, and finding the correct size shouldn't be a problem.

Jay Kosta
Endwell NY USA

 

[Bespoke]

Thank you all for excellent advice. It really helps with all of the choices available.

As much as I find the older bikes charming, I think the potential issues pointed out by all are well warranted. I have a "vintage" automobile so, I think I understand what's involved, even if on a simpler scale.

On your advice it's now down to the C'dale Carbon Synapse or a "lightly used" Litespeed Titanium with Campy or Ultegra. There are a few options available on Litespeeds.

Thanks again. I'll post back with whatever is finally decided.