If you have a preference, just like me, for vintage bicycles and more specifically for vintage retro racing bicycles and you have finally decided to buy one, there are a number of things you should definitely pay attention to.
This is especially true if you do not buy the bike from a bicycle repair shop and in fact there are not that many bicycle repairers who still offer used vintage steel racing bikes for sale.
Below are some tips. Of course, this article does not apply to the collector, who already knows everything mentioned here.
Check bicycle frame
The most important thing is the bicycle frame. If this frame is folded or there are dents in it, it is best to give up the purchase. Only if it is a valuable bicycle frame it is recommended.
Of course, this does not apply to an aluminum or carbon bicycle. Especially the repair of a carbon bicycle is very expensive and not recommended. Moreover, carbon frames do not yet belong to the vintage category.
With a vintage aluminum bicycle such as the Vitus or Alan that are built with duraluminium lugs, you may have cracks in the lugs. If they are micro cracks then it is no problem, with larger cracks the bicycle is not recommended.
Lugs from an Alan racing bike where micro cracks may be present
Rust: if it only concerns superficial rust, also called flash rust, you can easily remove it with steel wool. If it concerns deeper rust, it is very difficult to remove.
Check headset
If the headset needs to be replaced, there is movement on it. You can easily find out by grasping the handlebars and pushing hard forwards. If this moves too much, you have to replace your headset.
Check bottom bracket for movement
Check well the bottom bracket for movement. You can do this by moving the pedal towards the frame. If it moves a lot, the bottom bracket may be broken, if it moves slightly, it will usually just have to be tightened
Check well the bottom bracket
Check the gears
Check that the gears are working properly, either through a test ride or simply by lifting the rear wheel in the air and moving the chain from the smallest to the largest sprocket. Same for the 2 sprockets at the front. If this does not work, you will have additional costs to have the derailleur adjusted or, in the worst case, replaced.
Check chain
It is possible that your chain is going through, this could be because the chain needs to be replaced. The rule is that the chain needs to be replaced after a maximum of 5000 km.
However, it is also possible that the rear sprockets are worn out and you therefore need a new cassette. You can usually also see this if the teeth are pointed, then it has to be replaced.
Check wheels
Check whether the wheels run straight. You do this by simply lifting the bike and turning the wheel and pushing the spokes.
test the spokes by pushing them briefly
With the naked eye you can easily see whether the wheel is running straight. If this is not the case, you can straighten the wheel with a spoke wrench. For this you need some knowledge, especially if it is the first time that you do this.
Also move the wheel from left to right, if there is a movement in it, there is a problem with your hub and it needs to be adjusted. You can usually recognize this by a grinding noise when you turn the wheel.
Check brakes
Be sure to check the brakes and brake pads as well. Of course, you do this best by doing a test drive. In the best case the brakes can be tightened and in the worst case the brake cables can be replaced.
Where can you find vintage racing bikes?
Flea markets: every now and then you can spot a vintage racing bicycle at a flea market, the prices are usually very low here.
Thrift shops: most thrift stores also sell bicycles, sometimes racing bicycles. The advantage is that these bicycles are put in order before they are offered for sale. In addition, there is also a warranty period of 1 year.
The disadvantage is that the thrift stores have also realized that more and more people, especially young people, are looking for a vintage racing bike and prices have therefore gone up seriously in recent years.
Retro and vintage bicycle markets: In a lot of countries such as Belgium, the Netherlands and Italy there are many retro bicycle markets where you can buy racing bicycles in addition to all kinds of vintage items such as racing jerseys, bicycle components. Here you will pay a little more than at the flea market or the thrift store, but for that you will get a better bike of a certain value.
On the following link you will get an overview of the most important retro bicycle markets in Belgium, Italy and the Netherlands> retro fietsmarkten 2021
If you prefer to search online, check the following websites
- marktplaats.nl
- 2dehands.be
- ebay of course also, but more bicycles are offered there for collectors
- Facebook: on facebook there are also a lot of groups where second hand racing bikes are offered
Voorbeeld van een advertentie op marktplaats.nl
