My parents are older, mid seventies, and I am planning to get my father an upgraded bike.
He is the type who never wants to throw things out or spend much on something new though so I am curious if folks think either of these old frames are worth adding newer parts to.
They’ll be riding mostly roads, some light gravel, and bike paths in New Hampshire.
Is it worth trying to upgrade these or should I get a new frame like a Roaduno or Rando?
by Low_Ad3270
2 Comments
Heck yeah, they’re good! They withstood the test of time, and still have plenty of people riding them now. Older road bikes are typically made of a sturdy, yet lightweight steel, like Reynolds steel. That stuff was originally invented for aircraft. Older frames can be more easily repaired, and I know a guy who restores and sells vintage frames online as a side hustle. Also, older road bikes you can pick up cheap, and parts are both cheap and plentiful too. Aluminum bikes are great too, but you usually have to toss them if they bend or break, because they’ll never be as strong if welded or heated in a repair. And while carbon fiber frames are really light and cool, you can’t repair them like metal. But steel will always be available, and bikes are still being made like this now. Older road bikes are perfect for commuters, and can also be converted into gravel bikes.
The first frame is for someone who is about 5’6” (or even less) and the second is for someone at least a foot taller. I can’t tell if you’re asking about a bike for your father or for both your parents but if you are considering these two specifically then that’s the first thing you need to take into consideration.
Secondly not all older frames are any good. Some are excellent and some are garbage, just the same as new bikes. Old good bikes are worth working on, but there will be limitations in the amount of upgrades you’d be able to do because of incompatibilities with newer standards. Nonetheless a good vintage frame can be set up to be an excellent bike no problem at all.