I wouldn’t do that to that bike. I appreciate that, at least as far as your overview in the video introduction, you seem to be planning to keep all the changes reversible. More importantly, if I understand correctly, you are being given several thousand dollars worth of equipment. That makes your project unique - unique in that I will never be in a position to do or even consider doing something similar. I appreciate your transparency about the cost. I wish you luck and many happy miles. But you’re answering questions that aren’t interesting to me. One interesting question, to me, is: how will the neo-retro bike ride compared to the, in effect, new-old-stock that you’re sacrificing. How much better, or worse, and in what ways, is new stock compared to what was new in the 90s? What were your thoughts on the ride quality of the bike as purchased?
Would probably not start drilling holes… there should be a drain hole under the bb that you could potentially put a “slightly modified” di2 cable through. 😂 Just don’t tell the sponsors!
That bike looked perfect as it is really, the only thing I would do is swap the crank for a compact one because I am not racing anymore...These kinds of neoretro builds are only worth the exercise when you buy a bare frameset or are equipped with worn out parts., this one was not the right candidate imho.
This just feels wrong. It's like touching up the smile on the Mona Lisa or maybe building an extension on the pyramid of Giza. Looking forward to the rest of the series though.
I did exactly this with a Peugeot Equipe - initially tried to restore it with vintage hardware but soon realised as my first foray into road cycling that tube shifters, heavy hardware and a limited selection of gears sucked! So I upgraded to a 105 groupset, new Campag wheels, even got it powder coated in yellow and I absolutely love it now ❤
I had exactly this with my Mercian. Had period correct Suntour GPX. I didn’t mind downtube shifters (rears were indexed and you don’t need indexing on the front), but a 52/42 and 11-21 cassette just made it a nightmare to go up hills so I swapped it for modern 105 and now I can actually ride it! Also, the spacing on the suntour freewheel was different to everybody else’s so to keep the indexing I had to have suntour replacements, which I could only find on eBay in France. Much more usable now. Doesn’t look as good though. However, I also had Time Equipe TBT pedals on there and they were the best pedals I’ve ever used. The float was perfect. You couldn’t tell your feet were attached until you went to unclip. They were so comfy. I only stopped using them because I couldn’t find shoes that fitted.
Love videos like this, good job Alex! Don't listen to people moaning about leaving it stock or ruining a classic bike, it's better for the bike to be enjoyed by bringing it up to a modern standard than kept on a wall and admired from afar
Concept sounds fun, but it would be a fail as aero frames do not have shifter bosses on the downtube to capture the shifter cable housings that run outside the frame on bikes with early Shimano STI. I say this but I do have two caveats. Both require that shifter cable housings be run complete from the shifter to the rear derailleur (not friendly for that era front derailleurs). The housings could be run from shifter to derailleur either completely inside the frame, or completely outside of the frame using "zip ties" to attach the cable to the frame which would make Simon have kittens.
WTF Alejandro? A cliff hanger? Where is episode 2? Do you think this is House of the Dragon or something and you can just leave waiting until next season to finish the build? I want to see this thing come together! Unbelievable! 😅
The 90's really isn't that old. I know because I was there, and only young people, in their teens and early 20's, think that the 90's bikes are "old". For anything considered "old" you need to go back to the mid 70's or early 80's. Because that's when they were still riding lugged steel, down tube shifters, and 1" threaded headsets. People who have been riding for 30+ years, know that lugged steel is the absolute benchmark. The 90's saw the advent of lots of aluminum bikes, integrated shifters, internal brake cables, Giant's compact frame geometry, and octalink bottom brackets. "Old" bikes wouldn't have any of this modern technology. I agree that this groupset is very nice, but for a classic Italian bike, riders should always go for some Campagnolo 2x9 or 2x10. The Dura Ace 7700 on this is still very very nice. There are still lots of older (40+) riders who lust after this groupset. Thanks.
I did this! ‘86 Schwinn Prelude retrofitted with R7000 and custom 700c wheels. Columbus frame and plenty of clearance for 28mm tires since it was originally built for 27” wheels. It keeps up just fine on group rides. Heavy, though so the breakaways can be a big effort. Aside from that, it’s very comfortable and smooth for the long rides.
I love nothing more than a neo-retro bike! My only road bike is built with a Columbus SLX steel frame from 1988, new Ritchey zeta classic wheels and SRAM Rival 1x11 because I live in flanders and I don't need much range. I think it rides like an absolute dream, and I don't feel like it really holds me back at all!
Excellent. I’ve done this back in 2014 with my 1981 531 Dawes Lightning using campag, my 1986 Peugeot premiere with campag, and my 2001 bianchi ev2 with…. Super record! It was featured up against the “Sidegrade” bike and shortly after the video I had a problem with the rear hub and it’s been off the road since!
That sounds like an incredible project! Combining the classic elegance of a vintage Pinarello with the cutting-edge technology of the Shimano Dura-Ace 9200 groupset is a brilliant way to merge the best of both worlds. Alex's mission to breathe new life into the retro bike by upgrading it with modern components should result in a bike that not only looks stunning but also performs at the highest level. The Dura-Ace 9200 groupset is renowned for its precision, lightweight design, and reliability, making it a perfect match for a vintage frame. The rim brakes will maintain the classic aesthetic, while the modern components will bring the bike up to speed with today’s cycling standards. Taking this upgraded retro bike on an epic ride will be the ultimate test, showcasing how a well-crafted vintage frame can still hold its own with the right modern enhancements. It's a great way to celebrate the timeless beauty of retro bikes while also ensuring they're equipped to handle today's demands. This project will undoubtedly inspire others who love vintage bikes to consider similar upgrades!
I'm Doing a Vintage Road Bike Build Project Peugeot Carbon Parts Only, Still Down Tube Shifters. Target weight 8KG 54CM Frame Reynolds 531c Steel Frame.
You just have to be careful depending on when it was built and where it was sold first, there is a non 0 chance that dimensions follow the French standard instead of BSA. In which case you're in for a lot of reading on Sheldon Brown's website.
I’ve done a few neo retros there are plenty of brace vent holes where you can get wiring out. Removal of the lower cable guide gives a route out from the seat tube.
this sort of thing ,always works great we built up a steel Fuji Del Rey - with new pads for the original brakes (suntour) and shimano Sora - and a tiagra crank with a modern 68BB - its a great bike and works wonderfully with the more modern groupset.
I did a similar build back in 2017: French model 1983 Motobecane Equipe Pro (Columbus SL) with Shimano 105 5800 and Ultegra 6800. I built the rear wheel with a 105 (5800) hub laced onto a vintage mavic rim. Used the stock 700c front wheel with Spidel hub. Conti GP4000 28mm tires. It was probably the smoothest riding bike I'd ever ridden. I'd wanted to do this to see if i could, but I really wanted to ride this bike and NOT wear out the vintage high-end groupset that was on it.
That sounds cool. Mine's a later Mirage HPF with Ultegra 6700 and a downgraded 105 chainset with a powermeter but I have kept the original biopace rings. 😊 I also have an almost totally original equip pro too
I have a 90s Specialized Sirrus. Not a boutique bike by any stretch, but a nice Taiwanese lugged steel frame. Decked it out with modern components. Sub 20 lbs, and a joy to ride.
I have Shimano 600 Tri Colour..8 speed cassette…Ribble two tone Reynolds 653 frame…150 mile ride over Wrynose and Hardknott pass..smooth shifting..ALMOST as smooth as my Dura R9100 on the R5. Yup.
@bikee1394 Something about the geometry of that frame makes it look bigger, I think it's the long seat stays and short chain stays. I do like the traditional frame of older bicycles, nice and simple 👌.
Another project that is straight from my dreams. I love that you have a “Dura Ace spares cupboard”, I have my own Dura Ace/XTR/XT/Ultegra/105 parts bins. I hope you’ll have enough frame and fork clearance for modern tires; the lack of same has prevented me from making similar upgrades to my ‘98 Basso Gap frame set… I should say, lack of tire clearance and the French-threaded bottom bracket shell. D’oh! Oh well, the old Basso is still resplendent in “Td’F Maillot Jaune” paint and Dura Ace 7700 groupset. Rock on, looking forward to seeing your results with this project 😁❤️
I have a 1988 Marinoni nicely repainted and chromed by Giuseppe himself. Decked out in 12sp Shimano on old Dura Ace C50 wheels (the cassette was machined to fit the freehub). It is stunning and rides fast. Still I wish it was campy…
Can’t wait to see this built up and what it looks like. As for an epic adventure. Do a coast to coast ride like the Way of the Roses (Morecambe to Bridlington) that will certainly put the bike through its paces 👍
Just the video I have been waiting for. I have a number of 90s steel bikes that I have upgraded to modern components. In terms of wheels, go for something like zipp 202--shallow/carbon clinchers
On my neo-retro 1995 Bianchi Columbus Genius, I’m running record 10s & 1200g extralite hyperclinch aluminium wheels. Whole bike with its quill stem fork weighs 8kg 🎉 and is a blast to ride
Will follow this build, I have a 1983 Bob Jackson 531c tubing. Was a climbing weapon then. And still rides superbly. Just the rider is getting old at 74. Often wondered at doing same and seeing what the outcome is.
I rode my $600 (AUD) Giant Crosscity hybrid bike over a 130km hilly course. The next day in the same weather conditions, I did the same on my Giant Defy. The difference in speed was only 12%. It makes me realise that upgrading from my Defy would give only a very minor gain at a big cost.
I have three stunning Mercian frames, all recently re-enamelled and bought up to modern spec by Mercian and I'm building them up with modern components and wheels. A training/audax bike bike, a best bike and a race/duathlon bike.
If U don't need the old Dura Ace group set, I'll be the happiest cyclist if U give it to me. 😁 I need exactly the same parts for my genuine retro project! Nice video, as always!
I have a 531 Cliff shrubb frame fitted with Shimano 7800 Dura ace 10 speed its great.I also have recently brought a Greg Lemond Zurich with 9 speed Ultegra both bikes are great.The Cliff shrubb weighs 9.1kg & the Lemond Weighs 9.5kg.
I Believe a bike is its frame ! the rest are just parts ! yes they do also represent a style and era ! but in terms of quality and functioning , the frame is what it really is ! it will receive , gather defuse and transmit all the energies set upon it ! Just as it happens with cars ! One can take a great classic car ans with the setting of new parts like new break pads , tires , shocks etc the car can and will perform as any other new one , plus ! then one can really see what it was really capable of doing ! In so , I would recommend and wish you made a video on such with the Lotus super bike ! ( both 108 & 110 ) But in order to NOT ruin a classic one MUST not only use modern parts , but also in style and material accordingly with the classic chassis ! So in this case of your nreoretro i suggest using aluminium wheels ! and strongly suggest NOT using electroninc shifting , 'cause that means drilling holes into that frame ! but if you insist , the bike will be So much better if better if you figure out how to attach the battery outside the frame !
Just the vid I wanted to see. I have a 1988 Raleigh Supralite bike with a chrome molly frame that has been sitting on my garage wall since I traded up in the late 90's. The reason was that the group set and drive cogs were well worn with the teeth on the drive cogs looking like shark fins. Now I get to see if my fantasy is realistic with a modern rebuild. You might give us an idea on parts so I can set a budget.
This IS just like a "project car"; in the long run It Will be more expensive than buying a new, equivalent bike. But we like the process. Im doing the same on an old, non performance bike and my end budget IS still 150 USD, though. Its not as bad if you go with the non high end components
Lol ikr. They always have good ideas then ruin it in the details. Why resto-mod a bike that's already in top top mint condition and been restored already? it's insanity and completely out of touch with real riders
High aero wheels look very good on a slim frame like this. Consider installing the Mavic Cosmic Carbone wheels. The ones with the big bright yellow logo stickers on them.
Join you on an adventure... now you're talking, Neo- Retros only Obv's. I have just the almost TDF framed build to join in with that. 👍 Been thinking for while a "Neo-Eroica" an event or even series would be awesome and a little less excluding, impractical or frankly punishing than the really old stuff - this could be the beginning of something great for grass-roots bike enthusiasm: do it!
Thanks Alex................... "Dura Ace " is eternal , keep it alive ! And , I've no idea where to ride it . Good luck and Godspeed .. {wear gloves} save skin
This would have been a great chance to introduce the Wheeltop EDS wireless group set. It is perfect for situations like this, upgrading a vintage bike with modern shifting.
Wheels have def gotta be Lightweights, an homage to Ulrich’s spec of those wheels on his TdF Pinarello bikes. I’m a fan/builder of neo-retro bikes, but I mostly do steel frames with Campy 10-11 speed groups.
That "vintage" Pinarello was from the era when I raced and I was WAY faster on that bike than I am today on my modern DA-equipped Cervelo. I wonder what it would have been like to have the modern bike at the peak of my fitness and confidence. I have an old steel Pinarello frame hanging up in the garage that has a factory-fresh paint job (it was sent back years ago to repair a broken dropout and I never rebuilt it) and have often thought of building it up with modern kit and some nice, deep aero wheels.
Luv the idea! Beautiful frame set. For wheels...How about some Hunt Carbon 50's? Set up an older Raleigh CX bike with Hunt Carbon 50's quick release wheels and it changed the whole build. Made the bike fast! Good on you for going for it. Cheers.
RETRO 1985 OLD SCHOOL ESTHETICS : Consider Campy's Record C [1st ed ] crank to be the most beautiful in all of cycling . Love the look of the " wings , wheel & skewer " in the engraved shield on the polished rear derailleur , aero seat post , headset ( none )" , down tube shifters and sew up hubs with smooth skewers [ 2000 era Campy ] . Just completed a silver Alan record frame [ 1991+/- ] with Record C 1st edition parts throughout except for Delta brakes - ugly ( Chorus monoplanars 1st ed good enough ) , Cinelli bars with1R quill stem , Brooks swift black saddle with copper rivets and " modern clip less " record pro fit pedals that don't clash with the group but work fine on the square tapered bottom bracket axle . Obsolete with mechanical flaws but easy to work on , rides very smoothly with tubulars and very dear to my heart .
The Deda Superleggera stem has a diameter that matches a classic steel frame better. I used it with my Colnago Master retro-mod build. Get rid of that ugly "sponsor-provided" bar/stem thing😂 Also alot of bike frames are really good and light but buried under heavy wheels and groupset to hit a price point .. so well worth getting a really high end used non-disc groupset to shed some weight
The adventure I would suggest you make on the finished bike is to do the U18R , 25 miles TT course, in a proper race with whatever has replaced the RTTC. This build is the sort of bike someone might do if they are just starting to get serious but don't want to spend thirty grand a top of the range bike. And what event most people in that situation would do is a time trial. Now the U18R was used in the 1991 national TT competition, so Chris Boardman got the course record the year before he get his gold in Barcelona. And the U18R is really close to the GCN mega base (I think it's on the A38 going north east from you, but not sure).
Alex - You addressed all of my concerns about the dismantling of this gem bike except one: Where does Chloe want you to ride the rebuilt masterpiece? Will she join you on the adventure?
I use an 80s 753 for early season tt and road bike time trials. Pretty fast even by today's standards. Have won stuff on it ( tho in my age category) . Want a challenge, next spring, Little Mountain tt in Worcestershire, just make sure you have low enough gears.
Seems like the hardest part of trying to get an old frame to feel modern is tyre clearance. Most other things can be pulled apart and changed, either bolt on or with an adapter, but if the frame limits the tyre choice, that gets pretty hard to solve. And it's a pretty big part of the ride feel. Re: Sacrilege and all that: Mostly what makes me sad in this groupset change is that those old parts are so aesthetically pretty. Modern parts' design isn't quite as expressive. But then, if Shimano is sponsoring the parts it's hard to criticize them too much :D
It's really only the 90s and 00s that sucked for tire clearance. I personally think 80s is the sweet spot-excellent tire clearance and plenty of still-used standards. The dropout spacing is usually 126mm, but I've found a modern 130 wheel slides in with really minimal effort. I'm currently looking for a good 80s frame to put my R8000 group on.
I'm very interested in this project as I have my own "restomod" that I am working on. The idea of a rim brake, semi wireless groupset seems perfect to update an older bike. The horrible parts of updating older bikes with electronic shifting involves two key issues. One is getting the wires from inside the frame where the battery resides to outside where the derailleurs and shifters live. The second is cleanly routing the wires from the seat post tube to the front of the bicycle. My plan was to remove the bolt holding the shifter cable guide on the bottom of the bottom bracket and then to use the hole in the bottom bracket shell to route the wires for my front and rear derailleurs. Wireless duties would take care of the connection to the shifters at the front of the bicycle. At first I was put off when Shimano did not offer a rim brake shifter for 12 speed 105. Then I discovered that Shimano did create a 12 speed di2 shifter using Shimano Ultegra. Unfortunately these shifters are wired??? Now that I see Alex's project I am beyond intrigued as I don't see a wireless rim brake shifter for Dura Ace either. I have a vintage Litespeed Vortex that I really don't want to drill holes in. I'm hoping that with Alex's connections with Shimano he has found a solution to my wireless conundrum. Hurry up Alex as the path to enlightenment is now in your hands.
I reckon a pair of Campagnolo Bora rims with the triple spoke lacing would look killer. I know it’s a Shimano sponsored video, but I don’t think they’d mind and we’re doing it for the ‘tube after all.
I did fitted my Planet X bike with Di2 group set with no way of fitting it internally, I neatly ran the cables outside the frame and popped the battery into a drinks bottle, drilled a small hole to run the cables inside.
Shame they don't offer a polished alum version of that groupset just for this purpose. My old Lemond would love that drivetrain, but I am NOT giving up the shine of my old Ultegra. As a fan of both youngtimer cars and youngtimer bikes, I fully salute this video.
Back when god was in nappies, I 'customized' my spanking Raleigh Europa by putting Chopper handlebars on it, as aero as the side of a house but bloody good fun!
the original restoration looks beautiful but I would be interested in the numbers on those gear ratios. It doesn’t’ look like I could ride it anywhere around here (Dartmoor) with my power to weight ratio. To be honest -that would have been the only thing I would have been tempted to change but will watch with interest as to how you get on
@gcntech I have done something similar with my 1986 Mercian Strada Speciale, I've only changed to Shimano's R7000 105 groupset with a set of Shimano budget wheels. Best of both worlds :)
The reason 'they' are saying its criminal to wreck that lovely bike is because it damn well is. Leave the poor thing alone for somone who actually has a heart and soul to enjoy it as it should be. Ricardo, you disappoint me.
It ain't very "VINTAGE" if the stem clamps on like some plumbing project! I built-up a vintage steel (Columbus SLX) frame from an Italian artisan who learned at Cinelli with Campagnolo Centaur 11 awhile ago and totally love it!!! Shifts/brakes like a modern bike but rides like a dream from when bikes were steel and shorts were wool!
I wish you'd stop using the word 'retro' as a synonym of old. 'Retro' is something contemporary, but inspired in old designs. A 2005 Mini is retro; a 1960 Mini, however, is not 'retro': it's vintage, or old, or classic - whatever. But surely it's not retro. That said this is a sort of 'restomod'. Never mind it, I like it. I have a vintage frame with modern components and I love riding it. It's fast, it's fun to ride and it's beautiful.
I pointed this out to them years ago and they just don't listen or do any research apparently, I think they just like the word retro and use it even though they know it's incorrect.
Sssshhh 🤫 ! People mis-naming vintage bikes as 'retro' is partly how we get great deals on selling sites! Joking aside, totally agree. I've done similar to a Harry Hall - love it for all the same reasons you love yours. Highly recommend it, there are some lovely vintage frames out there waiting to be rescued and put back in service.
well, everything is retro when old enough. If it's even more so old and vintage, still retro. But for retro it also has to have historic value. 2005 Mini does not. It's not even a starting year of a generation which was 2001. So as liberally GCN is using this term, you are not that much different either.
Alex, my understanding is that the rim brake DI2 shifters are NOT wireless. While the disc brake shifters communicate wirelessly with the derailleurs, the rim brake shifters are essentially reprogrammed versions of the older 11 speed and must be wired. Should not be a dealbreaker, but you may have to end up drilling some holes in the frame.
What do you think of Alex’s bike build project? 🚲✨ How would you tweak this bike?
I wouldn’t do that to that bike. I appreciate that, at least as far as your overview in the video introduction, you seem to be planning to keep all the changes reversible.
More importantly, if I understand correctly, you are being given several thousand dollars worth of equipment. That makes your project unique - unique in that I will never be in a position to do or even consider doing something similar. I appreciate your transparency about the cost. I wish you luck and many happy miles. But you’re answering questions that aren’t interesting to me.
One interesting question, to me, is: how will the neo-retro bike ride compared to the, in effect, new-old-stock that you’re sacrificing. How much better, or worse, and in what ways, is new stock compared to what was new in the 90s? What were your thoughts on the ride quality of the bike as purchased?
Would probably not start drilling holes… there should be a drain hole under the bb that you could potentially put a “slightly modified” di2 cable through. 😂 Just don’t tell the sponsors!
That bike looked perfect as it is really, the only thing I would do is swap the crank for a compact one because I am not racing anymore...These kinds of neoretro builds are only worth the exercise when you buy a bare frameset or are equipped with worn out parts., this one was not the right candidate imho.
This just feels wrong. It's like touching up the smile on the Mona Lisa or maybe building an extension on the pyramid of Giza. Looking forward to the rest of the series though.
Test riding this New Machine on your normal GCN test route for one. Should give a good comparison to start.
“Spare Durace cupboard” 😂 shots fired at the trolls . Love it
It’s going to haunt him for a while. LoL.
He created troll squad himself saying he had spare DA crankset laying around...
Does no one else have a "Dura-Ace spares" cupboard?
Asking for a friend 😅
@@alexpatonGCN I know of one guy , he keeps it all with his WD40 chain lube
@@alexpatonGCN just pretentious or rich cyclists among us. I'm more Tiagra cardboard kind of guy 🤑
Wish shimano offered a silver version of all the newest groupsets. retro bikes look better with silver components.
They offered silver for r7000 105 when it came out
Campagnolo Centaur is still offered in polished silver. Polishing is extra effort, painting in black covers everything...
And honestly the derailers look like black shiny mid 2000s nikes I'd pay a little extra for a nice brushed aluminum piece.
But orange and black is banging!
Centaur is not polished, more like satin/dull alloy, sources I have it
I did exactly this with a Peugeot Equipe - initially tried to restore it with vintage hardware but soon realised as my first foray into road cycling that tube shifters, heavy hardware and a limited selection of gears sucked! So I upgraded to a 105 groupset, new Campag wheels, even got it powder coated in yellow and I absolutely love it now ❤
I had exactly this with my Mercian. Had period correct Suntour GPX. I didn’t mind downtube shifters (rears were indexed and you don’t need indexing on the front), but a 52/42 and 11-21 cassette just made it a nightmare to go up hills so I swapped it for modern 105 and now I can actually ride it! Also, the spacing on the suntour freewheel was different to everybody else’s so to keep the indexing I had to have suntour replacements, which I could only find on eBay in France. Much more usable now.
Doesn’t look as good though.
However, I also had Time Equipe TBT pedals on there and they were the best pedals I’ve ever used. The float was perfect. You couldn’t tell your feet were attached until you went to unclip. They were so comfy. I only stopped using them because I couldn’t find shoes that fitted.
Love videos like this, good job Alex!
Don't listen to people moaning about leaving it stock or ruining a classic bike, it's better for the bike to be enjoyed by bringing it up to a modern standard than kept on a wall and admired from afar
You really should have found a frame in good shape that had clapped out parts. A real crime to take apart such a great ‘as is’ vintage ride. :-(
Seriously. I don't get it. Only replacing it with retro Campy would make sense.
I was thinking the same. There must be loads on Facebook market place or ebay.
Where did he get the bike from? That thing was never ridden, especially if it's a 96'. Way too clean
@@Avram1919Think he said it’s restored.
It nearly qualifies as a restomod - you could be on the verge of creating the cycling world's Singer Porsche 😎
I’d love to see a video of you building up a modern aero frame with the old DA groupset and downtube shifters! That would be rad!!
That's a great idea David. I just need a modern rim brake aero bike!
Concept sounds fun, but it would be a fail as aero frames do not have shifter bosses on the downtube to capture the shifter cable housings that run outside the frame on bikes with early Shimano STI. I say this but I do have two caveats. Both require that shifter cable housings be run complete from the shifter to the rear derailleur (not friendly for that era front derailleurs). The housings could be run from shifter to derailleur either completely inside the frame, or completely outside of the frame using "zip ties" to attach the cable to the frame which would make Simon have kittens.
WTF Alejandro? A cliff hanger? Where is episode 2? Do you think this is House of the Dragon or something and you can just leave waiting until next season to finish the build? I want to see this thing come together! Unbelievable! 😅
Ah, the suspense!, every good story needs a bit of waiting. Episode 2 will be here before you know it, and it will be worth the wait!
Thanks for the heads up.....I saved ten minutes.
80s steel friction shift, adjustable rear dropouts, forged brake bridge, lugs...
OMG that stuff blows my hair back big time!
I hope you rode it before you disassembled it - just to get the feel and as a comparator.
The 90's really isn't that old. I know because I was there, and only young people, in their teens and early 20's, think that the 90's bikes are "old". For anything considered "old" you need to go back to the mid 70's or early 80's. Because that's when they were still riding lugged steel, down tube shifters, and 1" threaded headsets. People who have been riding for 30+ years, know that lugged steel is the absolute benchmark. The 90's saw the advent of lots of aluminum bikes, integrated shifters, internal brake cables, Giant's compact frame geometry, and octalink bottom brackets. "Old" bikes wouldn't have any of this modern technology. I agree that this groupset is very nice, but for a classic Italian bike, riders should always go for some Campagnolo 2x9 or 2x10. The Dura Ace 7700 on this is still very very nice. There are still lots of older (40+) riders who lust after this groupset. Thanks.
You sound old
I did this! ‘86 Schwinn Prelude retrofitted with R7000 and custom 700c wheels. Columbus frame and plenty of clearance for 28mm tires since it was originally built for 27” wheels.
It keeps up just fine on group rides. Heavy, though so the breakaways can be a big effort. Aside from that, it’s very comfortable and smooth for the long rides.
Mavic Open pro rims “back in the day everyone used”. Oh Lordy I still use (they fit the aesthetic of my steel framed bike!) 😅
I use both the vintage rims, like MA-40s, and I also use the new Mavic wheels.
@@kixigvak my 30yo Mavic SUP open still running and tracking straight. This video sucks.
I love nothing more than a neo-retro bike! My only road bike is built with a Columbus SLX steel frame from 1988, new Ritchey zeta classic wheels and SRAM Rival 1x11 because I live in flanders and I don't need much range.
I think it rides like an absolute dream, and I don't feel like it really holds me back at all!
I did this with my 1990 Merckx 15 years ago when Campy first came out with 11 speed. I purchased a Record group set.
When I saw the orange I was hoping it'd be an old steel Merckx.
Excellent. I’ve done this back in 2014 with my 1981 531 Dawes Lightning using campag, my 1986 Peugeot premiere with campag, and my 2001 bianchi ev2 with…. Super record! It was featured up against the “Sidegrade” bike and shortly after the video I had a problem with the rear hub and it’s been off the road since!
That sounds like an incredible project! Combining the classic elegance of a vintage Pinarello with the cutting-edge technology of the Shimano Dura-Ace 9200 groupset is a brilliant way to merge the best of both worlds. Alex's mission to breathe new life into the retro bike by upgrading it with modern components should result in a bike that not only looks stunning but also performs at the highest level.
The Dura-Ace 9200 groupset is renowned for its precision, lightweight design, and reliability, making it a perfect match for a vintage frame. The rim brakes will maintain the classic aesthetic, while the modern components will bring the bike up to speed with today’s cycling standards.
Taking this upgraded retro bike on an epic ride will be the ultimate test, showcasing how a well-crafted vintage frame can still hold its own with the right modern enhancements. It's a great way to celebrate the timeless beauty of retro bikes while also ensuring they're equipped to handle today's demands. This project will undoubtedly inspire others who love vintage bikes to consider similar upgrades!
I have a 40 year old steel 3Rensho with modern components! It's an awesome ride, and it turns heads!
Oh man this is my kond of bike. Ive built up some steel bikes and love scrolling through marketplace and imagining builds
I'm Doing a Vintage Road Bike Build Project Peugeot
Carbon Parts Only, Still Down Tube Shifters. Target weight 8KG
54CM Frame Reynolds 531c Steel Frame.
You just have to be careful depending on when it was built and where it was sold first, there is a non 0 chance that dimensions follow the French standard instead of BSA.
In which case you're in for a lot of reading on Sheldon Brown's website.
what frame model is that? Sounds good! not many were made with 531C .
I’ve done a few neo retros there are plenty of brace vent holes where you can get wiring out. Removal of the lower cable guide gives a route out from the seat tube.
That's a great suggestion, but I "might" already be well into filming ep2! 😅
this sort of thing ,always works great we built up a steel Fuji Del Rey - with new pads for the original brakes (suntour) and shimano Sora - and a tiagra crank with a modern 68BB - its a great bike and works wonderfully with the more modern groupset.
I did a similar build back in 2017: French model 1983 Motobecane Equipe Pro (Columbus SL) with Shimano 105 5800 and Ultegra 6800. I built the rear wheel with a 105 (5800) hub laced onto a vintage mavic rim. Used the stock 700c front wheel with Spidel hub. Conti GP4000 28mm tires. It was probably the smoothest riding bike I'd ever ridden. I'd wanted to do this to see if i could, but I really wanted to ride this bike and NOT wear out the vintage high-end groupset that was on it.
That sounds cool. Mine's a later Mirage HPF with Ultegra 6700 and a downgraded 105 chainset with a powermeter but I have kept the original biopace rings. 😊 I also have an almost totally original equip pro too
I have a 90s Specialized Sirrus. Not a boutique bike by any stretch, but a nice Taiwanese lugged steel frame. Decked it out with modern components. Sub 20 lbs, and a joy to ride.
I have Shimano 600 Tri Colour..8 speed cassette…Ribble two tone Reynolds 653 frame…150 mile ride over Wrynose and Hardknott pass..smooth shifting..ALMOST as smooth as my Dura R9100 on the R5. Yup.
Back in the day Pinarello actually made beautiful bikes. For whatever reason they haven't done so since they went all-carbon.
That frame looks huge!
Or does it have a short wheelbase?
Looking forward to Part 2!
Technically it's large
@bikee1394 Something about the geometry of that frame makes it look bigger, I think it's the long seat stays and short chain stays. I do like the traditional frame of older bicycles, nice and simple 👌.
Mavic Open Pro are reliable, bombproof and last practically forever.....they used to be the benchmark to build a top quality wheelset.
Another project that is straight from my dreams. I love that you have a “Dura Ace spares cupboard”, I have my own Dura Ace/XTR/XT/Ultegra/105 parts bins. I hope you’ll have enough frame and fork clearance for modern tires; the lack of same has prevented me from making similar upgrades to my ‘98 Basso Gap frame set… I should say, lack of tire clearance and the French-threaded bottom bracket shell. D’oh! Oh well, the old Basso is still resplendent in “Td’F Maillot Jaune” paint and Dura Ace 7700 groupset. Rock on, looking forward to seeing your results with this project 😁❤️
I have a 1988 Marinoni nicely repainted and chromed by Giuseppe himself. Decked out in 12sp Shimano on old Dura Ace C50 wheels (the cassette was machined to fit the freehub). It is stunning and rides fast. Still I wish it was campy…
Can’t wait to see this built up and what it looks like.
As for an epic adventure. Do a coast to coast ride like the Way of the Roses (Morecambe to Bridlington) that will certainly put the bike through its paces 👍
Looking forward to seeing the finished build👍
Just the video I have been waiting for. I have a number of 90s steel bikes that I have upgraded to modern components. In terms of wheels, go for something like zipp 202--shallow/carbon clinchers
I have a restomod Fondriest and it’s a joy to ride😊
It’s perfect for cafe rides and navigating the dual use seafront bike lanes
On my neo-retro 1995 Bianchi Columbus Genius, I’m running record 10s & 1200g extralite hyperclinch aluminium wheels. Whole bike with its quill stem fork weighs 8kg 🎉 and is a blast to ride
Mavic Ksyriums! Love the restomods! Can’t wait for episode two!
Will follow this build, I have a 1983 Bob Jackson 531c tubing. Was a climbing weapon then. And still rides superbly. Just the rider is getting old at 74. Often wondered at doing same and seeing what the outcome is.
i feel like the best way to compare the finished neo-retro bike isn't just against modern high-end CF bikes, but also modern high-end steel bikes
I rode my $600 (AUD) Giant Crosscity hybrid bike over a 130km hilly course.
The next day in the same weather conditions, I did the same on my Giant Defy.
The difference in speed was only 12%.
It makes me realise that upgrading from my Defy would give only a very minor gain at a big cost.
Alex, watched this after Si's £82.50 special ... you're gonna be busy
I have three stunning Mercian frames, all recently re-enamelled and bought up to modern spec by Mercian and I'm building them up with modern components and wheels. A training/audax bike bike, a best bike and a race/duathlon bike.
If U don't need the old Dura Ace group set, I'll be the happiest cyclist if U give it to me. 😁 I need exactly the same parts for my genuine retro project! Nice video, as always!
Right when you saw Alex you KNEW it was going to be a DURA ACE group set
the infamous Dur-Alece Paton
Alex already knows, but in the car world, it's called a resto-mod. I appreciated seeing the gear indicator mid cable. Never heard of that one.
#Alex@GCN To use the downtube mounts ,3D print a small head light mounts. That would be sick.
I have a 531 Cliff shrubb frame fitted with Shimano 7800 Dura ace 10 speed its great.I also have recently brought a Greg Lemond Zurich with 9 speed Ultegra both bikes are great.The Cliff shrubb weighs 9.1kg & the Lemond Weighs 9.5kg.
I Believe a bike is its frame !
the rest are just parts ! yes they do also represent a style and era ! but in terms of quality and functioning , the frame is what it really is ! it will receive , gather defuse and transmit all the energies set upon it ! Just as it happens with cars !
One can take a great classic car ans with the setting of new parts like new break pads , tires , shocks etc the car can and will perform as any other new one , plus ! then one can really see what it was really capable of doing !
In so , I would recommend and wish you made a video on such with the Lotus super bike ! ( both 108 & 110 )
But in order to NOT ruin a classic one MUST not only use modern parts , but also in style and material accordingly with the classic chassis !
So in this case of your nreoretro i suggest using aluminium wheels ! and strongly suggest NOT using electroninc shifting , 'cause that means drilling holes into that frame ! but if you insist , the bike will be So much better if better if you figure out how to attach the battery outside the frame !
Just the vid I wanted to see. I have a 1988 Raleigh Supralite bike with a chrome molly frame that has been sitting on my garage wall since I traded up in the late 90's. The reason was that the group set and drive cogs were well worn with the teeth on the drive cogs looking like shark fins. Now I get to see if my fantasy is realistic with a modern rebuild. You might give us an idea on parts so I can set a budget.
IOW, you got a bike that was perfectly functional as is, and decided to "upgrade" it. Cheers.
I like these affordable GCN builds. I hope that in the next episode it will get a 28k gold coating too.
This IS just like a "project car"; in the long run It Will be more expensive than buying a new, equivalent bike.
But we like the process. Im doing the same on an old, non performance bike and my end budget IS still 150 USD, though. Its not as bad if you go with the non high end components
Lol ikr. They always have good ideas then ruin it in the details. Why resto-mod a bike that's already in top top mint condition and been restored already? it's insanity and completely out of touch with real riders
@@FlourescentPotato then don't watch it 🤷
@@sepg5084 pointless comment
Interesting experiment! Imo replacing wheels (to carbon aero) would make much more upgrade than changing groupset. Please bear than in mind!!
High aero wheels look very good on a slim frame like this. Consider installing the Mavic Cosmic Carbone wheels. The ones with the big bright yellow logo stickers on them.
Love it. I was excited to see your discovery channel Trek, I own an OLCV US Postal Trek (with period Ultegra) - such an amazing bike.
I'm anxious to see how Abner changes the rear drop out spacing and adds thru axles, not to mention disc brakes, 32mm tire clearance and a UDH...
I love it! I'm just doing that revamp to a Caloi 10 1979. Not using a Shimano kit off course, but a Ltwoo R5 😂😂😂
Love this type of builds have one myself and have one retro Eddy Merckx with campag that's original they are both lovely to ride
Join you on an adventure... now you're talking, Neo- Retros only Obv's. I have just the almost TDF framed build to join in with that. 👍
Been thinking for while a "Neo-Eroica" an event or even series would be awesome and a little less excluding, impractical or frankly punishing than the really old stuff - this could be the beginning of something great for grass-roots bike enthusiasm: do it!
Thanks Alex................... "Dura Ace " is eternal , keep it alive ! And , I've no idea where to ride it . Good luck and Godspeed .. {wear gloves} save skin
This would have been a great chance to introduce the Wheeltop EDS wireless group set.
It is perfect for situations like this, upgrading a vintage bike with modern shifting.
Wheels have def gotta be Lightweights, an homage to Ulrich’s spec of those wheels on his TdF Pinarello bikes. I’m a fan/builder of neo-retro bikes, but I mostly do steel frames with Campy 10-11 speed groups.
I am 100% with you approach, but yes it is criminal too, to rip it apart. 😆
That "vintage" Pinarello was from the era when I raced and I was WAY faster on that bike than I am today on my modern DA-equipped Cervelo. I wonder what it would have been like to have the modern bike at the peak of my fitness and confidence. I have an old steel Pinarello frame hanging up in the garage that has a factory-fresh paint job (it was sent back years ago to repair a broken dropout and I never rebuilt it) and have often thought of building it up with modern kit and some nice, deep aero wheels.
Luv the idea! Beautiful frame set. For wheels...How about some Hunt Carbon 50's? Set up an older Raleigh CX bike with Hunt Carbon 50's quick release wheels and it changed the whole build. Made the bike fast! Good on you for going for it. Cheers.
RETRO 1985 OLD SCHOOL ESTHETICS : Consider Campy's Record C [1st ed ] crank to be the most beautiful in all of cycling . Love the look of the " wings , wheel & skewer " in the engraved shield on the polished rear derailleur , aero seat post , headset ( none )" , down tube shifters and sew up hubs with smooth skewers [ 2000 era Campy ] . Just completed a silver Alan record frame [ 1991+/- ] with Record C 1st edition parts throughout except for Delta brakes - ugly ( Chorus monoplanars 1st ed good enough ) , Cinelli bars with1R quill stem , Brooks swift black saddle with copper rivets and " modern clip less " record pro fit pedals that don't clash with the group but work fine on the square tapered bottom bracket axle . Obsolete with mechanical flaws but easy to work on , rides very smoothly with tubulars and very dear to my heart .
The Deda Superleggera stem has a diameter that matches a classic steel frame better. I used it with my Colnago Master retro-mod build. Get rid of that ugly "sponsor-provided" bar/stem thing😂 Also alot of bike frames are really good and light but buried under heavy wheels and groupset to hit a price point .. so well worth getting a really high end used non-disc groupset to shed some weight
The adventure I would suggest you make on the finished bike is to do the U18R , 25 miles TT course, in a proper race with whatever has replaced the RTTC.
This build is the sort of bike someone might do if they are just starting to get serious but don't want to spend thirty grand a top of the range bike. And what event most people in that situation would do is a time trial.
Now the U18R was used in the 1991 national TT competition, so Chris Boardman got the course record the year before he get his gold in Barcelona. And the U18R is really close to the GCN mega base (I think it's on the A38 going north east from you, but not sure).
Beautiful Pinarello.
Would love to see how the Elite Drive 40V rim brake wheels looks on this bike 😍
Alex - You addressed all of my concerns about the dismantling of this gem bike except one: Where does Chloe want you to ride the rebuilt masterpiece? Will she join you on the adventure?
I use an 80s 753 for early season tt and road bike time trials. Pretty fast even by today's standards. Have won stuff on it ( tho in my age category) .
Want a challenge, next spring, Little Mountain tt in Worcestershire, just make sure you have low enough gears.
For the challenge - something with plenty of climbing, say the Fred Whitton route in the Lake District?
Hmmm, that could be epic! I've always wanted to do the event!
@@alexpatonGCN At least you'd get to appreciate having something smaller than 39x23 if needed!
I seem to recall that Big Mig's Pinarello's were re badged Pegoretti's ? Loving your work Brian.
Seems like the hardest part of trying to get an old frame to feel modern is tyre clearance. Most other things can be pulled apart and changed, either bolt on or with an adapter, but if the frame limits the tyre choice, that gets pretty hard to solve. And it's a pretty big part of the ride feel.
Re: Sacrilege and all that: Mostly what makes me sad in this groupset change is that those old parts are so aesthetically pretty. Modern parts' design isn't quite as expressive. But then, if Shimano is sponsoring the parts it's hard to criticize them too much :D
It's really only the 90s and 00s that sucked for tire clearance. I personally think 80s is the sweet spot-excellent tire clearance and plenty of still-used standards. The dropout spacing is usually 126mm, but I've found a modern 130 wheel slides in with really minimal effort. I'm currently looking for a good 80s frame to put my R8000 group on.
@@danjee46480's are 120mm and that is a pb. 127mm is no pb.
this is the best content
I'm very interested in this project as I have my own "restomod" that I am working on. The idea of a rim brake, semi wireless groupset seems perfect to update an older bike. The horrible parts of updating older bikes with electronic shifting involves two key issues. One is getting the wires from inside the frame where the battery resides to outside where the derailleurs and shifters live. The second is cleanly routing the wires from the seat post tube to the front of the bicycle. My plan was to remove the bolt holding the shifter cable guide on the bottom of the bottom bracket and then to use the hole in the bottom bracket shell to route the wires for my front and rear derailleurs. Wireless duties would take care of the connection to the shifters at the front of the bicycle. At first I was put off when Shimano did not offer a rim brake shifter for 12 speed 105. Then I discovered that Shimano did create a 12 speed di2 shifter using Shimano Ultegra. Unfortunately these shifters are wired??? Now that I see Alex's project I am beyond intrigued as I don't see a wireless rim brake shifter for Dura Ace either. I have a vintage Litespeed Vortex that I really don't want to drill holes in. I'm hoping that with Alex's connections with Shimano he has found a solution to my wireless conundrum. Hurry up Alex as the path to enlightenment is now in your hands.
I reckon a pair of Campagnolo Bora rims with the triple spoke lacing would look killer. I know it’s a Shimano sponsored video, but I don’t think they’d mind and we’re doing it for the ‘tube after all.
I did fitted my Planet X bike with Di2 group set with no way of fitting it internally, I neatly ran the cables outside the frame and popped the battery into a drinks bottle, drilled a small hole to run the cables inside.
Please do a rebuild of a Raleigh team banana or a Raleigh kellogs pro tour bike. Love to see that.
90s? I got an 80s model FUJI, love it
Shame they don't offer a polished alum version of that groupset just for this purpose. My old Lemond would love that drivetrain, but I am NOT giving up the shine of my old Ultegra. As a fan of both youngtimer cars and youngtimer bikes, I fully salute this video.
It was equipped nicely with da 7700
Back when god was in nappies, I 'customized' my spanking Raleigh Europa by putting Chopper handlebars on it, as aero as the side of a house but bloody good fun!
Elite wheels make a 50mm deep rim brake version weighing 1,300 grams. Would look great on that bike with that group set
Love these sort of GCN videos. Really capture the riders who rock Rim Braked beauties.
New groupset and wheels on a steel frame. So the only things different is the material of the frame. Shocker! Steel frames are being used today.
It’s aluminium…
I’ve done this with a colnago tecnos and dura ace 9100 and Bora wheels which is close to a perfect match, also aesthetically.
We would love to see that
@@gcntech I'll send you a picture through email. Do you have a good email adress to send it?
@@l.d.t.6327 You can upload photos or videos to the uploader where the presenters will be able to see them. Here’s the link 👉gcn.eu/upload
the original restoration looks beautiful but I would be interested in the numbers on those gear ratios. It doesn’t’ look like I could ride it anywhere around here (Dartmoor) with my power to weight ratio. To be honest -that would have been the only thing I would have been tempted to change but will watch with interest as to how you get on
@gcntech I have done something similar with my 1986 Mercian Strada Speciale, I've only changed to Shimano's R7000 105 groupset with a set of Shimano budget wheels.
Best of both worlds :)
The reason 'they' are saying its criminal to wreck that lovely bike is because it damn well is. Leave the poor thing alone for somone who actually has a heart and soul to enjoy it as it should be. Ricardo, you disappoint me.
Dura Ace cupboard finally confirmed!
Hey, don’t say it so loudly 🤫
You wouldn't need a drill with rim brake AXS, but a sponsor is sponsor, and I reckon getting Sram isn't as easy or cheap to get in the UK. Great vid.
It ain't very "VINTAGE" if the stem clamps on like some plumbing project! I built-up a vintage steel (Columbus SLX) frame from an Italian artisan who learned at Cinelli with Campagnolo Centaur 11 awhile ago and totally love it!!! Shifts/brakes like a modern bike but rides like a dream from when bikes were steel and shorts were wool!
As far as I'm aware the rim brake Dura-Ace 12 speed Di2 is not wireless
You are right, something I "might" have discovered while filming ep2 a few days ago😂
@@alexpatonGCN 😂 you had me questioning myself for a second
I wish you'd stop using the word 'retro' as a synonym of old. 'Retro' is something contemporary, but inspired in old designs. A 2005 Mini is retro; a 1960 Mini, however, is not 'retro': it's vintage, or old, or classic - whatever. But surely it's not retro.
That said this is a sort of 'restomod'. Never mind it, I like it. I have a vintage frame with modern components and I love riding it. It's fast, it's fun to ride and it's beautiful.
I pointed this out to them years ago and they just don't listen or do any research apparently, I think they just like the word retro and use it even though they know it's incorrect.
Sssshhh 🤫 ! People mis-naming vintage bikes as 'retro' is partly how we get great deals on selling sites!
Joking aside, totally agree. I've done similar to a Harry Hall - love it for all the same reasons you love yours. Highly recommend it, there are some lovely vintage frames out there waiting to be rescued and put back in service.
@@C345OFR AND the correct word would actually be "retrospective" !! ;-)
It's a fair point for better use of the English language. It's a bit nit-picky though 🫣
well, everything is retro when old enough. If it's even more so old and vintage, still retro. But for retro it also has to have historic value. 2005 Mini does not. It's not even a starting year of a generation which was 2001.
So as liberally GCN is using this term, you are not that much different either.
Alex, my understanding is that the rim brake DI2 shifters are NOT wireless. While the disc brake shifters communicate wirelessly with the derailleurs, the rim brake shifters are essentially reprogrammed versions of the older 11 speed and must be wired. Should not be a dealbreaker, but you may have to end up drilling some holes in the frame.
I exchanged a few messages with Frank, the seller of this bike as I almost bought it! 😅
I did this with an old school 60's steel bike, I put on a new tiagra groupset on it and used it as a winter bike
How do you like it, is it awesome?
@@killering5 yeah, steel bikes are great although the old style racked fork makes the steer a bit weird
If you're doing all that you may as well change the frame as well, to a mid 2000s carbon frame 😊.
Nice work Jonathan! Thought you'd pull the whole groupset out of the cupboard though