You may have noticed in recent years a reappearance of vintage bicycles on the scene, and thought to yourself, “why are people doing the Cape Town Cycle Tour on a steel bicycle from the 70’s?”
It’s a fair question when the technology in modern bicycles undoubtably offers a smoother, easier, and faster ride. Vintage bike owners will each have their own personal justification for why these steel steeds are making a comeback, but when you look at it objectively, the choice to ride vintage hinges on two main factors…
Firstly, there is an incredible sense of nostalgia attached to vintage bicycles. What we know today as “Vintage Bikes,” are linked to an incalculable number of memories among the members of the cycling community. It calls back to the days when your grandfather pulled his sporty Hanson out of the garage to show you the deep red paint and the shining derailer that was top of the range at the time; only to hand it to you a few years later to enjoy. It holds stories of struggling up Chapman’s Peak on your first Argus because you’d run out of gears and pride refused to let you walk. And most importantly, it connects generations of cyclists through the appreciation of the craftsmanship that went into making these Tour de France winning vehicles.
The second and far more impactful reason vintage bikes are having a resurgence in our community today is simply: price. Modern bicycles with their ultra-lightweight frames and top of range fixtures can cost upwards of R30 000, if you’re lucky enough to find a good deal! When the economic climate is considered, this unfortunately prices many eager young cyclists out of the sport. With an inability to afford the latest brands, many people have found vintage bicycles to be an attractive alternative.
The market on vintage bicycles can range, depending on the quality of frame, the brand, the story and of course the fixtures; but the average price on these amazingly unique vehicles sits comfortably between R5 000 –and R10 000. Making it an incredibly affordable way to enjoy the sport of cycling.
This reinvestment into older bicycles has fostered a thriving community around the enjoyment of cycling as it was a few decades ago and if you look, you’ll find many rides and races dedicated to vintage bike owners. So, if you’re looking for a new way to enjoy the roads, why not consider the old way?
Comments