From: Jay Fichialos <quadmod(AT)gmail.com>
"I do have a newbie question for the group about using these great old bikes. Is there an age where the costs and rarity of the bike makes actually using it on a regular basis out of the question.
I ask in part because I\u2019m actually looking for an old lightweight I can ride ALOT\u2026 on brevets, on club rides and thanks to a perfectly timed business trip, to hopefully ride at L\u2019 Eroica this year. "
hi Jay,
That's a very reasonable question. My experience is with bikes dating from the 1970's and later. These were frequently outfitted with Campy Nuovo Record or Super Record components. I've got five bikes dating from the early 70's to early 80's equipped thusly, and put a total of roughly 3000 miles on these bikes annually.
I don't have any trouble keeping them properly maintained and equipped with appropriate parts. The consumables, such as chains, tires, tubes, and freewheels, are still available. Granted, I use SRAM 8 speed chains, as well as modern tires and tubes (and tubulars). I'm also fortunate to have a stash of SunTour freewheel cogs, but freewheels are surprisingly available on ebay, and the IRD freewheels may develop into reliable units.
With this background, I'd say that any bike with Campy Nuovo Record or Super Record bits should be fairly practical to keep running. These bikes are widely available, and generally available for under $1000 here in the States. Heck of a deal, I think. And if the Campy bits get too expensive, it's okay to put some of the good SunTour and Shimano parts of that era on the bike.
And for what it's worth, I bought my first bike equipped with Campy Nuovo Record in 1997. It was an Olmo Competition, with pantographed parts, and the fancy "Mexico" treatment for the cranks. Since then, I've put around 8000 miles on the bike. It's one of my "go-fast" bikes, and I took it for a club ride this morning. It's certainly fast enough for the gang that I hang around with.
Good luck with your search for a nice bike!
Steve Kurt
Peoria, IL