Retro Vs Modern: How Much Have Bikes Changed?

Retro bikes are cool. But so are modern bikes! We sent Simon out with Matt for a ride on a couple of very different bikes to see what's changed in the past 30 years. Matt was lucky enough to be riding one of the actual bikes that Stephen Roche rode to win the triple on in 1987, a steel framed Battaglin, while Si rode a Ridley Helium.

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[Juan]

Not all of cycling is about performance. Sometimes it's just about enjoying the ride, and there's nothing like riding steel.

[jacke]

19 years old, started cycling 6 months ago and my first bike is a 25 year old steel Italian racer I found at the top.

[mmmmmdonut]

Classic bikes rule!
I have several that I ride AND RACE regularly. Nothing like taking it to the guys with the $10, 000 modern super bikes while on a 20-30 year old classic. The best part is hearing things like "HEY! The old guy with the antique just got top 10!"
The real reason for having them is these were the bike I drooled over when I first started racing back in the 80's; pro team bikes that were absolutely unobtainable back then. They literally bring a smile to my face as I pull them down and ready them for a ride.

[velopacific]

My most modern bike is from 1987. The oldest one is from 1978 (1975 if you count project bikes). I'm happy with and love them all! They're comfortable, simple to service, and are fun to ride, especially if you fine tune them to your liking (switching to a triple crankset and and a 34t freewheel, for example, solved the problem of climbing any hill, and there are a few in the Seattle area). Classic bikes are wonderful.

[nougatbitz]

Finding the thick frames of many modern bicycles unappealing - a simple steel frame with round tubes is a timeless beauty

[rogerc]

You made me want to take my '86 Bianchi out now.

[Lars]

I'm 29 and the "newest" road bike I've ever owned was built 4 years after I was born. I've test ridden new carbon Cannondale's and the like, but my '89 Guerciotti with full Campag is just too much fun. I've never been a racer and I'll never be world champion, so I don't see the point in spending $3k on a bike that'll never be a winner. Maybe someday I'll buy a modern bike, but for now a classic steal bike with 7-speeds is fine for me. 

[PaulJakma]

That's an absolutely beautiful bicycle Matt rolled up on. Don't know what Si is laughing at!

I love the lack of indexing on old road bikes. The old friction shifters just always work, where modern bikes need regular tweaking to keep the indexing sweet and avoid rattling and even jumping between cogs on the power. Great for a winter training hack that's going to get caked with road grime.

The extra weight of a steel bike is also great for a training bike. Combined with the heavier gearing of older bikes this can be great for leg strength training. When your lowest gear is a 42:24 or even a 42:19 you have no choice but to slowly winch your way up. Your legs will adapt.

I spent last winter on a 1970s road bike, and I really noticed the benefits in the spring when I went back to my light, low-geared bike. My riding buddy noticed the difference in my legs too. Broke a couple of PRs on local climbs that I'd not been able to budge for a few years!

Old school, heavy weight and heavy geared steel road bikes == great winter training bikes.

[tigerbalm]

The retro bike's aesthetics are so much better...even if the components are outdated!

[creepyloner]

my bike's from '87 or '88, tapered double butted chromoly frame, shimano 105 groupset... $30 at my local thrift store. think i'll stick with retro.

[Wmpa]

Retro? Ha!
I will take out my Swedish Hermes racer from 1926... singlespeed with a weight of a big hippo.

[balorduomo]

Your videos are always very well made and interesting. Always a pleasure to watch!

[mrski]

This just became my favorite video!!!
I have a 2014 Cinelli  Veloce Experience and a 1984 Kuwahara Pulsar which has; Suntour, Dia-Compe, and Ukai components.  I personally, love the feel of a steel lugged frame, and the added weight makes it a great and challenging training bike.
I use the Cinelli on my sportive rides.  The light weight feels fantastic after hundreds of training miles on the old bike.  Another way to explain it is: the old Kuwahara is my daily driver, the Honda you take to work, shopping, and whatever else.  The Cinelli is my weekend toy, like a Ferrari you take out for a spin on those sunny Saturdays or Sundays.  But I love them both!!!

[ashvic]

I LOVE those old school bikes. I used to have a Colnago Master, sold it when I bought my house. I gotta say, still miss it to this day

[stephensell]

I actually love my tube shifters. It took a lot of getting used to, but they shift so smoothly and they are virtually silent.

[WmCRobison]

The two bikes I ride are a 1973 steel department store bike with stem shift (2 x 5), and a 2012 aluminum Masi, with sora group set.

When I ride to breakfast or the store the old steel bike is a beautiful plush ride even under a weeks worth of grocery.

On the other hand when I want to go out and kill some watts, and ride fast its the new bike.
Frankly I love riding both if the bikes.

[allbunsglazing]

1:14 Simon's reaction to the golden brown is gold.

[royfr]

Cheap vs expensive would be good to see

[briancartoscelli]

retro bikes is all I ride. very good feel fast and classy. colnago master 1991, Merckx. all steel all the time

[TomsTenorHorn]

Great video guys ... watched this a few weeks ago and was inspired to resurrect my 1989 Ellis Briggs 653 (complete with original early 90's STI Dura Ace and Look Carbon pedals). The old GP4 rims and Vittoria CX tubs were shot and have been replaced with new Shimano 501's and Continentals. The Nadex bottom bracket has never been touched and still runs perfectly smooth. New 12-26 8 speed cassette and chain and the bike is as good as new.
Hard to beat the feel of a custom built frame and a vintage bike definitely gets strange looks from the younger riders ... or maybe it's the sight of a 50+ wearing lycra!