Peugeot, Bianchi, Colnago: how to find your vintage racing bike

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MModels like PX10 or Monaco from Peugeot or brands like Bianchi, Colnago, Singer or René Herse in general: names that make racing bike fans’ eyes light up. More and more enthusiasts are looking for and riding historic bikes. A trend only for cycling fans or also an investment?

Georg Zeppin sees a growing market for vintage bicycles. “In addition to racing bikes, these can be normal bikes from the 1950s or 1960s, such as those from Miele or Opel, historic mountain bikes, BMX or Bonanza bikes,” says the collector and editor of the bike magazine “Karl”.

Most collectors, however, are looking for historic racing bikes from Italy or France. These include Bianchi, Colnago and Peugeot, among others. But German brands such as Hercules, Miele or Diamant can also inspire collectors.

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Basically, Zeppin advises only buying the bike in the frame size that fits you. The frame should also not be compressed, bent or rusted through. “If only the paint is worn or the wheel has minor rust spots, it’s easy to restore,” he says.

Mobile vintage wheels or iconic memorabilia

Collectors do not necessarily have to be able to screw, but it is not a shame if they are knowledgeable about technology and can mend a tire themselves. Only: the older the bike, the more difficult it is to get parts. In many large cities there are now specialist shops for historical bicycles.

The preferences of the collectors diverge: Some love fully restored bikes in new condition, while others like patina and a history that is as famous as possible. Zeppin: “It depends a lot on the preferences and the later use. Do I want to ride the bike myself or just present it in the living room? “

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You can find vintage bikes on online platforms, at flea markets and in special bike shops. “Barn finds are not so rare with classic bikes, so visits to flea markets are worthwhile,” says Zeppin.

Events such as L’Eroica in Italy, Eroica Germania, In Velo Veritas in Vienna, Tretro in Sinzig or Velo Classico in Rumpshagen Castle are always worth a visit.

Vintage bicycles are counterfeit

Robert Witte from Potsdam has been collecting and restoring historic bicycles for around six years. The high school teacher has worked so deeply into the subject that he recently published a guidebook on vintage bicycles.

“It all started with my Instagram channel Vintage Velorian, on which I showed how I restore historic racing bikes,” says Witte. “Then I received more and more inquiries about how interested parties can find and recognize a classic.”

Because there are also fakes on the bike market, not every racing bike is actually one. “Racing bikes have no dynamo mounts on the fork or frame. The dropouts, i.e. the mounts for the axles on the frame, do not have any holes for mudguard brackets, ”says Witte. In high-quality racing bikes, this is often welded or chrome-plated.

Vintage bikes: Too good to drive, right?

Pay attention to details: If you buy an old bike, you should also take a close look at the built-in components

Source: dpa-tmn / Robert Günther

In order to identify frame damage such as compression, Robert Witte recommends checking the frame by hand directly behind the head tube. Slight waves or flaking paint usually provide information about a total loss, as do cracks in the bottom bracket area.

You can see rust in the inner tube by removing the seat post. “If it doesn’t move, the frame is usually gone,” he says. On the other hand, visual defects can be easily rectified and spare parts can be obtained.

“There are many smaller bike manufacturers from Italy who have built high-quality racing bikes. But German manufacturers such as Hugo Rickert or Albuch Kotter are also interesting for collectors, ”says Witte.

When it comes to touring bikes, there are beautiful models from Diamant, Hercules, Wanderer and Dürkopp. Collectors not only look to well-known brands, but also to pipe manufacturers such as Columbus from Italy, Tange from Japan or Reynolds from Great Britain.

Classic racing bikes don’t have to be expensive

Cycling enthusiasts will find inexpensive historical bicycles at Gazelle or Batavus. “They were produced in large numbers and the quality is good,” says Robert Witte. Models between 1980 and the end of the 1990s offer a good supply of spare parts and hobby screwdrivers can do a lot themselves.

“Nice bikes from Peugeot cost around 200 euros, special models driven by professionals can cost five digits,” he says. His dream bike: Colnago Arabesque 50th Anniversary Campagnolo. Estimate: up to 10,000 euros, depending on the condition.

A beautiful racing bike from the 1980s costs from 500 euros, depending on its condition, and for top Italian models, collectors also pay 2500 euros and more, says Georg Zeppin. “But historical racing bikes are rarely an investment,” he says.

Vintage bikes: Too good to drive, right?

Well-preserved or restored classic racing bikes from big brands are not available at bargain prices

Source: dpa-tmn / Fabian Hoberg

“They can therefore be used like normal bicycles from time to time.” For him that means: move each bike at least once a year in the sun and on dry roads.

The experts look for and find bikes, spare parts, tools, information and like-minded people on social media such as Facebook. In Witte’s opinion, the trend is towards restored bicycles, often as an accessory or wall decoration for the home. “80 percent of owners buy such a bike to ride, the other 20 percent to show off,” he says.

Off to the ride on the vintage bikes

Unthinkable for Horst Watzl. Originality and patina are more important to him than polished rims. Ten years ago, he and two colleagues founded Velo Veritas in Vienna. Since then, owners of historic racing bikes have been meeting annually for an excursion in the Weinviertel north of Vienna and exchanging ideas.

For bikes born up to 1987, the gears must be on the frame and the brake cables on the outside and the pedals must have straps. “Aside from the special vintage events, the trend towards vintage bikes with a special aesthetic has also been around for some time in cities,” says Watzl. “The enthusiasm for this has increased noticeably in the past few years.”

The market for vintage bikes is booming

The market for vintage bikes is booming

Source: dpa-tmn / Robert Günther

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