Retro vs Modern: The Ultimate Test

Ex-pro cyclist Simon Richardson is on a quest to find out how performance has changed over the decades by comparing a modern racing machine with a classic bike of yesteryear.

Simon will be recreating Eddy Merckx’s legendary 1969 Faema Team bike from scratch, travelling the country to source new-old stock which has laid dormant for years. This includes a period correct bike fit from Terry Dolan, and input from retro legends; Sid Barras and Philippa York, to discuss how the bikes they raced on compare against today's carbon beasts.

But how will a retro 60s replica really compare when pitted against a modern carbon road bike?

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[BobShurunkle]

This was such a treat, such a raised pulse rate of excitement - of the bikes and the gear and the legends - for a kid who grew up racing in the 70s. Thanks Simon, thanks gcn, and thanks to all those who featured and contributed to putting this together

[gorloff]

A fantastic video, loved it. A fantastic way to learn about cycling history to. Used to love my vintage bike back in those days.

[perryfeyk]

Great piece, Si. Takes me back. Sid Barras was one of my heros growing up although I could never really sprint. The longer you ride those classic steel frames, the more comfortable they will get. BTW, change the saddle and brake pads. Saddles have advanced a lot (unless you have an old Brooks Team Pro leather: just don't get it wet), and change out those brake pads. Even new they weren't very good, and in the day we always swapped the rubber out for at the time weimann or Dia Compe pads, and by the mid seventies, there were, as now, lots of better after market brake pads. I would note your choice of pedals: you have all Nuovo record road kit, but the pedals you had on were Campy Super Record black alloy track. Lots of roadies did use the track pedals on the road, to save the 'weight' of the quill piece that kept you foot from sliding off the outside, (as you did on the climb). Eddy, however, usually used the full quill road pedal. It also offered more support and comfort on long road rides and races. Can't wait to see you ride that beautiful bike on the epic Eddy tour stage. BTW: although my road career was on steel, I have a Cannondale EVO super six carbon road bike, and like you, I'm not going back. Keep up the good work, pilgrim.

[rangerk]

Great episode with solid analysis. Sid Barras is a treasure. Keep up the great work GCN+!

[peterdavies]

Enjoyed watching this video @SiRichardson BUT....you could have filmed the riding segments in the sunshine, what dismal weather conditions to endure what should be such a pleasurable experience 😳

[ffskierdune]

A Ferrari 250 GTO vs a La Ferrari. A Rolex PN 6241 vs A Rolex 16500. Or a DB5 vs DB11. The choice is VERY clear.

[mikec]

Hi Simon, you where grinding up those hills in some pretty large gears. When I was cycling to school on my Dawes "racing bike" fitted with a three-speed Sturmey-Archer I can remember the local bike shop had a whole rack of sprockets behind the counter for those lucky enough to have a real racing bike. Am I right in remembering that wheels would be fitted with these to suit the terrain e.g. 4 with one tooth difference + one bonk sprocket, or three for the flat and two for the hills. No where near the range available nowadays but perhaps not quite as bad as your setup?

[ZBicyclist]

Great video, but as someone who rode a 1976 Schwinn Super LeTour (rebranded Panasonic, IIRC) until 2009 I wonder how much of your difference is not being practiced on the downtube shifters?

[marccarter]

The old steel Holdsworth have a ride of their own

[JSC]

Super Sid what a rider I remember him riding the Newport chartist criterium race in the 80s when I rode the juvenile race. Sid rode for the Falcon team that day I'm sure Keith Lambert won a tight sprint? Sid was an animal and did breakaway briefly with another legend Phil Bayton the Staffordshire engine great racing our pros are the best in the world at criterium racing hence the kelloggs series in the 80s brilliant racing.

[apm]

For the techno music bike, 13 km in 22:44 minutes comes to 21.3 mph average speed. Even with Si fumbling the gears and not using his knee to shift at least once, the classic did 20.1 mph and that's after Si did full gas for the techno music bike. If I join a local pelaton on my 1984 Bianchi Limited, the 1.2 mph difference won't drop me. I will be at fault, not my bike.

[carllange]

Can anybody explain why the brake cables are reversed? It looks like an amateur did the cable routing.