Recommendation Wanted for Retro-Style Bike

GordonR on 06/04/2019 - 16:10

Teenage daughter wants retro-style city bike, such as the following ones:

https://www.rebelsport.com.au/p/flight-womens-vintage-700c-b…
https://www.reidcycles.com.au/ladies-petite-vintage-24.html
https://www.bicyclesonline.com.au/polygon-zenith-active-3-la…

Or just look at: https://www.bikeexchange.com.au/s/vintage-bikes

They all look pretty much the same to me, and probably come out of the same factory in China, but presumably there are quality, feature and support differences between them.

I'm happy to spend enough money to avoid a dud (something uselessly heavy that will rust in the garage), but equally would like to really focus on the "good enough" zone rather than the "spare no expense" zone.

Would appreciate opinions on what are the "must haves" and "definitely avoids" in this regard.

Sports & Outdoors Bicycle

Comments

  • SydStrand on 06/04/2019 - 17:37

    Ever looked at Lekker? They make retro-style bikes with modern features like hub gears. Plenty of girls on them in Melbourne.

    • GordonR on 08/04/2019 - 21:12

      Looked, then saw the $600 price, then stopped looking.

  • Ryanek on 06/04/2019 - 17:43
    +1

    $99 on Gumtree

  • Euphemistic on 06/04/2019 - 18:11
    +1

    Gumtree. Lots of people buy them, then realise they don’t like riding and park it and sell it hardly used.

    You summised correctly, these are all much the same.

    Note that the Reid one linked is a smaller bike with 24” wheel. Suited to a 8-12yo. If buying new, make sure you get her to fit it first.

  • Markmathews on 06/04/2019 - 19:56

    Penny farthing?

  • Halo375 on 07/04/2019 - 02:02
    +1

    Gumtree. These bikes are pretty but useless for anything longer than a ride to the local shops. Simply too heavy and not appropriate for anything other than the flattest of flat surfaces.

    • ESEMCE on 07/04/2019 - 08:56
      +1

      And this…

      Get her to ride a shitty Retro bike and then get her on to a nice modern bike in your price range, then ask her which is nicer to ride and therefore won't get left in the rain unused after a month.
      Does she want transport or a fashion statement?

    • Euphemistic on 08/04/2019 - 06:05

      And yet they are perfectly serviceable for relatively flat, short rides to the shops, especially with a basket fitted.

      • ESEMCE on 08/04/2019 - 08:50

        Pretty sure a teenager wouldn't be seen dead with a basket on the front.
        My issue with these bikes is that the vast majority are made absolute lowest possible spec, heavy frame, poor components.
        But because they're a fashion item the pricing far exceeds the quality.

        Encouraging the daughter to see both worlds before making a decision might hopefully sway her to the nicer bike.

        • Euphemistic on 08/04/2019 - 16:27

          I see plenty of young women riding that style bike basket and all. Very trendy.

          You are right, encouraging her to test a better built bike might end up with a different result, but for some it is largely about the image first.

          I think it is still possible to purchase a reasonable quality version that would be perfectly serviceable for use. Picking one with alloy parts, especially rims and wheels with stainless spokes will probably be enough to make it of decent quality. Heck, I’ve ‘rescued’ some that would be of hebaame build quality but are 30-40yo and with a bit of elbow grease run perfectly fine. They aren’t race bikes, but will do the ‘pootle about town’ just fine.

          • GordonR on 08/04/2019 - 21:19

            @Euphemistic: Short-distance commuting (2-3 km) and looking good in the retro style are her priorities.

            I just want to get her something she’ll be happy using at reasonable cost.

            Judging by the feedback to date, weight (or lack of it) is the main thing I need to get sorted.

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