Comments on: Vintage City Bikes http://www.renaissancebicycles.com Renaissance Bicycles custom builds road, touring, and commuter steel bikes. Sat, 04 Jun 2011 20:31:31 -0700 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.3 By: Dave http://www.renaissancebicycles.com/vintage-city-bikes/comment-page-1/#comment-1108 Dave Wed, 27 Oct 2010 17:53:01 +0000 http://www.renaissancebicycles.com/?page_id=2069#comment-1108 Hey there, Just picked up a Miyata 610 that's in great working shape, but I'm thinking about upgrading the components... This will really be the first time I've attempted to rebuild, and I would love a sneak peek at any sort of Japanese touring package you're putting together for sale. Any updates on when one might be available? Thanks! Hey there,

Just picked up a Miyata 610 that’s in great working shape, but I’m thinking about upgrading the components… This will really be the first time I’ve attempted to rebuild, and I would love a sneak peek at any sort of Japanese touring package you’re putting together for sale. Any updates on when one might be available?

Thanks!

]]> By: Bryan http://www.renaissancebicycles.com/vintage-city-bikes/comment-page-1/#comment-1064 Bryan Tue, 12 Oct 2010 03:47:15 +0000 http://www.renaissancebicycles.com/?page_id=2069#comment-1064 A very good question ... the short answer is yes. For more details on what makes a good candidate for "renaissancing" visit the <a href="http://groups.google.com/group/renaissanced-bicycle-group" rel="nofollow">"Renaissanced" Bicycle Google Group</a>. A very good question … the short answer is yes. For more details on what makes a good candidate for “renaissancing” visit the “Renaissanced” Bicycle Google Group.

]]> By: Thomas http://www.renaissancebicycles.com/vintage-city-bikes/comment-page-1/#comment-1063 Thomas Mon, 11 Oct 2010 17:21:53 +0000 http://www.renaissancebicycles.com/?page_id=2069#comment-1063 I have a 80's Panasonic DX-2000 and would like to build back to todays standards. Is this a good platform to start with? I have a 80′s Panasonic DX-2000 and would like to build back to todays standards. Is this a good platform to start with?

]]> By: Peter Burke http://www.renaissancebicycles.com/vintage-city-bikes/comment-page-1/#comment-1037 Peter Burke Mon, 27 Sep 2010 22:39:06 +0000 http://www.renaissancebicycles.com/?page_id=2069#comment-1037 Dear Bryan, I just read your piece and felt compelled to share with you what I have learned in the last 3 years. I had a 1969 Raleigh Sprite in fair condition, as it had been heavily crashed about 20 yrs previously. The front fork had been straightened somewhat and I considered it rideable. I just happened to look at the garage ceiling that day and remembered how much fun I had with it before I got my drivers's liscense. I went searching for someone to help me put it back together and found the best Cycle shop in town! It was decided that the fork and headset were in need of replacement. I was also told to go do some research on Sheldon Brown and Raleighs. I was instantly hooked. I found another fork, had it aligned and installed it with a Nos Raleigh headset. Changed the Handle bars to 5 in. mountain bars with an earlier stlye Nitto stem (inclined) and Tektro brake levers. New cables/ housings Brake shoes- KoolStop and some good old TLC rounded out the picture. I now found myself in the odd position that I had a wonderful 5 speed bike that would outlast me, but what next? Read , read, dream, ride and read some more about bikes, as much as I could find. With careful guidance, and patience of my LBS it was suggested that I consider old Campy for the rear derailler and a Regina rear gear cluster. Connex 808 chain, Shawalbe Marathon tires/ tubes and I was well on my way to cycling heaven! I tore up the town to the best of my ability and wanted for more after awhile. I found another 69 Raleigh sprite 3 speed and converted it to a 10 speed with extensive restoration including sandblasting and powdercoating Black clearcoat decal replacement(from Austrailia) and many custom applications designed to appear as if the bike may have been produced as such when new. Yes I included some contemporary touches like Look Keo Classic pedals , a nice comfortable Selle Italia seat for the long haul. Now I pushed myself to understand how a ten speed should be ridden and try to understand some of the group cycling ethics of riding so as not to be someone's liability. I found the bike to be great as it was stong and forgiving . I learned about cadence, reading Johan Broneal's book as th how he coached Lance to master the mountains. Cateye Double Wireless handled it beautifully. I was in time able to out ride a lot of bikes/riders with more expensive Carbon Steeds. They lack comfort and durability. Me in my lowly 20-30 High Carbon Steel 3 speed appearing bike clobbering them with my comfortable and strong machine. Yes, I worked to get up to speed all the while developing a lot more muscle and tone than the others I rode with on their expensive lightweight bikes! It became a bit of a stealth bike and I often had a lot of fun sprinting someone who thought they were doing me a favor, only to be be beaten by "What is that"? I graduated to building 2/ 1974 Raliegh Internationals. One bike is Bright yellow Powdercoat with the proper Decals and Campy Super Record Kit from the 80's . More fun and appeared a bit racier! The second int'l is Ferrari Red Clearcoat with 2008 Shimano Ultegra components throughout. Modern shifting and braking on a vintage piece! Drives them nuts! Both Reynolds 531 steel & again very comfortable to ride. I try to ride 250 to 300 miles a week. These units were completed in 2008. A 100 mile ride is wonderful as I am just as comfortable when I finish as when I started. This summer I was introduced to Eddy Merckx by my now second home, Bike Route of Naples. They have been in business for over 30 yrs. I purchased a 1990 frame from some one in the Netherlands and the quest was started. Yesterday I just completed 300 miles on my Eddy Merckx Corsa , kit circa 1990 Campy and find the differences interesting, but rewarding. The Eddy is Columbus Steel and is faster and a bit tighter than the afore mentioned Raleighs, which is to be expected. What I am trying to get to is that the ride and handling is superb on all my bikes because the fit and alligning of the frames has been performed by Quality Craftsman who understand working with steel and have the proper tools to do so. I am not sure what steel is ideal as the correct build is critical, more so than the components or any thing else that I might think of. Last year I cycled more than 11,000 miles on all my bikes. I love them all and really enjoy the differences that they offer based on the type of ride I may be on that day. I am 57 yrs,5'9" and 165 #'s ( down 40) in 4 yrs. Just got off my Statin drugs after 9yrs. My bloodwork is better than when I was 40yrs, and I have met some of the best friends/ Cyclists that I could have ever imagined existed! I am in my infancy with this sport/Way of Life and enjoy it more every day! Bryan thanks for listening & good luck on your Choices. Keep them Cycling! Take Care, Pete Burke Dear Bryan,
I just read your piece and felt compelled to share with you what I have learned in the last 3 years. I had a 1969 Raleigh Sprite in fair condition, as it had been heavily crashed about 20 yrs previously. The front fork had been straightened somewhat
and I considered it rideable. I just happened to look at the garage ceiling that day and remembered how much fun I had with it before I got my drivers’s liscense. I went searching for someone to help me put it back together and found the best Cycle shop in town! It was decided that the fork and headset were in need of replacement. I was also told to go do some research on Sheldon Brown and Raleighs. I was instantly hooked. I found another fork, had it aligned and installed it with a Nos Raleigh headset. Changed the Handle bars to 5 in. mountain bars with an earlier stlye Nitto stem (inclined) and Tektro brake levers.
New cables/ housings Brake shoes- KoolStop and some good old TLC rounded out the picture. I now found myself in the odd position that I had a wonderful 5 speed bike that would outlast me, but what next? Read , read, dream, ride and read some more about bikes, as much as I could find. With careful guidance, and patience of my LBS it was suggested that I consider old Campy for the rear derailler and a Regina rear gear cluster. Connex 808 chain, Shawalbe Marathon tires/ tubes and I was well on my way to cycling heaven!
I tore up the town to the best of my ability and wanted for more after awhile. I found another 69 Raleigh sprite 3 speed and converted it to a 10 speed with extensive restoration including sandblasting and powdercoating Black clearcoat
decal replacement(from Austrailia) and many custom applications designed to appear as if the bike may have been produced as such when new. Yes I included
some contemporary touches like Look Keo Classic pedals , a nice comfortable Selle Italia seat for the long haul. Now I pushed myself to understand how a ten speed should be ridden and try to understand some of the group cycling ethics of riding so as not to be someone’s liability. I found the bike to be great as it was stong and forgiving . I learned about cadence, reading Johan Broneal’s book as th how he coached Lance to master the mountains. Cateye Double Wireless handled it beautifully. I was in time able to out ride a lot of bikes/riders with more expensive Carbon Steeds. They lack comfort and durability. Me in my lowly 20-30
High Carbon Steel 3 speed appearing bike clobbering them with my comfortable and strong machine. Yes, I worked to get up to speed all the while developing a lot more muscle and tone than the others I rode with on their expensive lightweight bikes! It became a bit of a stealth bike and I often had a lot of fun sprinting someone who thought they were doing me a favor, only to be be beaten by “What
is that”?
I graduated to building 2/ 1974 Raliegh Internationals. One bike is Bright yellow Powdercoat with the proper Decals and Campy Super Record Kit from the 80′s .
More fun and appeared a bit racier! The second int’l is Ferrari Red Clearcoat with
2008 Shimano Ultegra components throughout. Modern shifting and braking on
a vintage piece! Drives them nuts! Both Reynolds 531 steel & again very comfortable to ride. I try to ride 250 to 300 miles a week. These units were completed in 2008. A 100 mile ride is wonderful as I am just as comfortable when I finish as when I started.
This summer I was introduced to Eddy Merckx by my now second home, Bike Route of Naples. They have been in business for over 30 yrs. I purchased a 1990 frame from some one in the Netherlands and the quest was started. Yesterday I just completed 300 miles on my Eddy Merckx Corsa , kit circa 1990 Campy
and find the differences interesting, but rewarding. The Eddy is Columbus Steel
and is faster and a bit tighter than the afore mentioned Raleighs, which is to be expected. What I am trying to get to is that the ride and handling is superb on all my bikes because the fit and alligning of the frames has been performed by Quality
Craftsman who understand working with steel and have the proper tools to do so.
I am not sure what steel is ideal as the correct build is critical, more so than the components or any thing else that I might think of. Last year I cycled more than 11,000 miles on all my bikes. I love them all and really enjoy the differences that
they offer based on the type of ride I may be on that day. I am 57 yrs,5’9″ and
165 #’s ( down 40) in 4 yrs. Just got off my Statin drugs after 9yrs. My bloodwork is better than when I was 40yrs, and I have met some of the best friends/ Cyclists
that I could have ever imagined existed! I am in my infancy with this sport/Way of Life and enjoy it more every day! Bryan thanks for listening & good luck on your Choices. Keep them Cycling!
Take Care,
Pete Burke

]]> By: kevin http://www.renaissancebicycles.com/vintage-city-bikes/comment-page-1/#comment-969 kevin Mon, 30 Aug 2010 14:53:07 +0000 http://www.renaissancebicycles.com/?page_id=2069#comment-969 Bryan - Thanks for your help resurrecting my '73 Schwinn World Voyageur. As soon as the frame comes back from the painter, the 105 groupset and Nitto rack will go on (augmented by a stem and handlebars from Rivendell). I wish people would advocate more for the old bikes. They're cheap, plentiful and, chosen carefully, are still outstanding vehicles. Thanks again, Kevin Bryan -
Thanks for your help resurrecting my ’73 Schwinn World Voyageur. As soon as the frame comes back from the painter, the 105 groupset and Nitto rack will go on (augmented by a stem and handlebars from Rivendell).
I wish people would advocate more for the old bikes. They’re cheap, plentiful and, chosen carefully, are still outstanding vehicles.
Thanks again,
Kevin

]]> By: Everett http://www.renaissancebicycles.com/vintage-city-bikes/comment-page-1/#comment-965 Everett Thu, 26 Aug 2010 03:04:25 +0000 http://www.renaissancebicycles.com/?page_id=2069#comment-965 Can't wait to see the kits. I've got a Schwinn World Tourist (70s) and Sprint (80s), just waiting for these kind of upgrades. Plus a few more that I've been wanting on CraigsList... Can’t wait to see the kits. I’ve got a Schwinn World Tourist (70s) and Sprint (80s), just waiting for these kind of upgrades. Plus a few more that I’ve been wanting on CraigsList…

]]> By: mike http://www.renaissancebicycles.com/vintage-city-bikes/comment-page-1/#comment-963 mike Wed, 25 Aug 2010 03:16:36 +0000 http://www.renaissancebicycles.com/?page_id=2069#comment-963 I'm eager to see what you offer in terms of updating vintage Raleighs and Schwinns. My Raleigh Superbes are the prize jewels of my 15-bike fleet and I'm open to being educated on outfitting/updating them. I’m eager to see what you offer in terms of updating vintage Raleighs and Schwinns. My Raleigh Superbes are the prize jewels of my 15-bike fleet and I’m open to being educated on outfitting/updating them.

]]> By: EcoVelo » Blog Archive » An Interview with Bryan Luce of Renaissance Bicycles http://www.renaissancebicycles.com/vintage-city-bikes/comment-page-1/#comment-958 EcoVelo » Blog Archive » An Interview with Bryan Luce of Renaissance Bicycles Tue, 24 Aug 2010 14:19:36 +0000 http://www.renaissancebicycles.com/?page_id=2069#comment-958 [...] inspired us to create a Vintage City Bike portion to Renaissance Bicycles. Although it is still in rough form, we hope to provide resources [...] [...] inspired us to create a Vintage City Bike portion to Renaissance Bicycles. Although it is still in rough form, we hope to provide resources [...]

]]> By: Bryan http://www.renaissancebicycles.com/vintage-city-bikes/comment-page-1/#comment-935 Bryan Sun, 15 Aug 2010 18:55:16 +0000 http://www.renaissancebicycles.com/?page_id=2069#comment-935 Yes, Renaissance Bicycles is all about putting the Love back into a classic bike. Send an email to info@renaissancebicycles.com with your contact information or call (888) 829-8340, and we will be happy to help. Yes, Renaissance Bicycles is all about putting the Love back into a classic bike. Send an email to info@renaissancebicycles.com with your contact information or call (888) 829-8340, and we will be happy to help.

]]> By: Priscilla Smeed http://www.renaissancebicycles.com/vintage-city-bikes/comment-page-1/#comment-934 Priscilla Smeed Sun, 15 Aug 2010 13:12:46 +0000 http://www.renaissancebicycles.com/?page_id=2069#comment-934 I bought a 1970's Gitane Grand Sport Deluxe this winter and love riding this bike, but hate dealing with bike shops! I already have replaced the cranks with a new racing crank but am interested in expanding my climbing ability further, perhaps with a triple. I already upgraded the back to six sprockets which is as far as I can go. When I talk to the bike shop guys they say I need to buy a new bike! I have found a guy who will do the work, although he continues to advise a new bike. Any thoughts? I bought a 1970′s Gitane Grand Sport Deluxe this winter and love riding this bike, but hate dealing with bike shops! I already have replaced the cranks with a new racing crank but am interested in expanding my climbing ability further, perhaps with a triple. I already upgraded the back to six sprockets which is as far as I can go. When I talk to the bike shop guys they say I need to buy a new bike! I have found a guy who will do the work, although he continues to advise a new bike. Any thoughts?

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