Early 80’s Plus One? My one runs Shimano, and remember it being looked down upon. But looking back I reckon it was better. Love your old Dura Ace.

nickc – Member

Be warned, they’re pants compared to modern stuff

Got to agree with the Old man on this. They are almost universally shit in comparison

Agreed compared to a modern bike they are no way near as efficient, but I don’t think that makes them “shit”. Its not all about the Strava time 🙂

For me the compromise of old steel and modern 11 speed has made the perfect daily ride.
The old campy worked very well but my knee does not and a 42 inner was just to much this year

Weight wise mine old relic is about the same as a modern £750 specailized allez

Remember that if you are really looking for retro, you size as was done in the period the bike was new. I was sized by Raleigh special products for a 56cm top tube. now I use a 52. You also gear accordingly. 😆
Of course you may be happy, like me, with a compromise. I chuckle happily to my self with all those wanting to be all pure for le Eroica UK then try to change the gearing on their lovely race bike to something lower than a 42/2.
Nice compromise is Campag 8 speed. The shifter will cope with almost any mech so you can run a rear mech that copes with a nice big rear sprocket. Use a freewheel to get the sizes you need.

Late 80’s I’m sure ties in with groupset .. Frame is possibly early 90’s .. Lovely old thing and a joy to ride .. Must say i was blown away with just how good brakes are(not quite as good new 105) but way better than 80’s campagnolo I had on a previous retro bike !!

🙂

If you are looking at the classic lugged frames, the usual sizing meant that there was only a couple of inches of seatpost exposed – which is why seatposts were so short then. Basically just enough knacker room standover and no more.

That gets you a comfortable all day riding position.

The beauty of quill stems was you could raise your bar height easily.