Vintage Bicycles

YOUR GUIDE TO BUYING CLASSIC AND VINTAGE BIKES

The term “classic” means a lot of things to different people. For some, vintage bicycles are a reminder of the past and for others, they are just a simple, traditional means of commute. They are the joy of the antique collector, and provide a wonderful afternoon ride for others.

Vintage bikes, whether new or used, can also cost less than modern models, and if you maintain them well, they could even increase in value over time. They are also a good way to recycle and save the earth in the long run.

On Bike Chaser you will find a range of new and used bicycles for sale that fall into this category. Brands like Lekker and XDS have kept true to traditional designs in their product suites, giving you that retro look but with entirely new quality frames and components. You will get that European look and feel typically observed in the streets of Amsterdam or Copenhagen, while using a safe and sturdy product that meets all Australian safety standards.

Used items are also available on this site and you may be able to snatch up a bargain for a really cool retro ride. For a lot of these products, the last time they were mass produced was about 30 years ago. This means that they are not readily available and not always in the best condition. If you don’t know what you are doing, you could end up with the wrong product and would have to spend quite a lot to get it up and running.

Why Buy a Vintage Model?

One sure reason you should buy a vintage bike is the nostalgic reminder of the good old days. In addition, classic models can sometimes be sturdier than modern day designs. They are often fitted with stronger frames and components.

Old school models are usually cost effective - although you might have to spend a bit to put it in perfect working condition if it is a used model.

Bicycles, like cars, lose a huge chunk of their value after you buy them. This doesn’t necessarily apply to old bikes. If you maintain them well, their value can actually increase over time.

The ideal second hand vintage bikes for sale are those that were made between 30 to 50 years ago. Any old-fashioned bicycle more than 50 years old would require a lot more to restore to good working condition.

Getting the Sizing Right

As usual, getting the right size and fit for your body is very important. It will determine if you are going to enjoy your new ride, or if it will end up dumped in a corner somewhere. Fortunately, there are a lot of areas that you can adjust to make sure that it fits you.

Adjustable areas include the stem, seat posts, and saddle position. If you can’t adjust any of these areas, then you need to check the measurements well to be sure it'll fit you perfectly.

The Saddle

You should adjust the saddle height to make sure your toes touch the ground. If you are able to put your full feet on the ground, it means that the bike is too small. On the other hand, if your feet are unable to touch the ground, the product might be too big for you.

Check Turning and Toe Overlap

The next step is to check for a toe overlap. You can do this by dramatically turning the handles while test riding. If your toe touches the front tires while pedalling, this means that there is a toe overlap.

You don't want this to happen, especially when you are riding in the city. This is because you could easily get in an accident if your toe suddenly hits your front wheel when riding.

Know the Parts

After finding a model that fits well and rides comfortably, your next port of call should be the parts and components. You want to be definitely sure they are in good working condition.

Check the Brake Cables and Gear

These are the first parts you should check out, especially if you’re buying second hand. The brake cables should be new and in good condition. You should never use a rusty old brake, they are only good for display, not riding. You should make sure that you take the brake pads to a mechanic for tuning. Ensure that the gears are in good working order, meaning that they should shift smoothly during the ride.

Wheels and Tyres

The rims on old and low-end bikes are typically made of steel. These are not good for braking especially when it is raining. It would be best if you replace with an alloy rim, but that will be extra cost so be sure to factor that into your budget.

You should make sure that the tyres and wheels are not wobbly. If they are, take them to a mechanic to have them trued and tensioned.

The tyres should also be new. Rubber tyres are not made to last forever, especially for more than 30 years. Any tyre that seems cracked or has a low tread is quite unsafe. You should also make sure that the spokes are rigid. You can easily check this by seeing if the spokes make a pinging noise when you spring them like a harp.

The Frame

The frame is very important. Classic styles often have a stronger frame than modern models, so this shouldn’t be much of a problem, generally speaking. Regardless, you should still check for defects and dents. Note wrinkles in the paint that could be tell-tale signs of a defective frame.

Purchasing a Vintage Bike

The hardest part of getting your ideal bicycle is locating where to buy from. Whether men’s or women’s vintage bikes, you really need to know where to look.

On this site, you will be able to find many different styles from different periods of time, new and used. Go through the selections available and you'll definitely find one that you can ride happily down memory lane.