Vintage Bikes
Vintage Bikes
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These are our prebuilt offerings, build and shipping times will be greatly reduced compared to that of custom builds. Please allow 3-5 working days before dispatch. We will be in touch every step of the way.
We have a vast selection of similar builds available in-store, starting from £350.
Check out our bike size calculator, if you're unsure about your frame or bike size.
Why Buy Classic Or Vintage Road Bikes?
At The Hackney Peddler, we believe vintage is synonymous with quality, craftsmanship, and style. Perhaps somewhere along the competitive path of constant innovation, manufacturers lost some of that initial spark. We pride ourselves on bringing some of what was lost back to the masses.
To buy vintage is to revive something lost.
Not to be mistaken for classically styled retro bicycles that attempt to copy the aesthetic of an era. Often without the quality and history that brought them to fame in the first place.
A classic bike is both vintage and exceptional, often due to skilled labourers, a strong history, or an innovative design.
It draws you in, organically.
The style of an early Colnago. Hand-built quality with history and style.
That's a classic.
Why Steel Bikes?
Steel bikes were built to be ridden. Bump, fall, scratch, scrape, rub, and they remain. No other material can take the hits that come from a lifetime of real use. This resilience comes with the added benefit of a smooth ride. A steel frame is much more forgiving over the rough stuff compared to its carbon, aluminium or titanium counterparts.
What size bike do you need?
Like most things in life, this question isn't as simple as it first seems. It can be easy to determine what size bike will be way too big or way too small. Providing yourself with an accurate frame size based on speculation can be problematic. We encourage people to try as many bikes as possible before arriving at a final decision. We built a comprehensive guide, as well as a bike size calculator, for those that want us to do the hard work for them.
Bicycles, much like people, come in all shapes and sizes.
So you want to go fast?
Let's talk speed.
We're going to ignore physical fitness to keep things as simple as possible. No marginal gains will ever make you faster than training.
First, things first. Heavy frames are going to be slower than lighter frames the majority of the time.
If you want to go faster, picking a lightweight bike or frame will set you up for success. The higher the grade of steel, the lighter the frame. Higher grade steel comes with the added benefit of strength and durability.
Next are the tyres.
Cheap tyres will usually weigh more, have less grip and puncture easily.
There's an important balance to consider here.
In isolation, on a perfectly smooth surface, slim high psi tyres will likely be the fastest.
Unfortunately, we don't live in a world with perfectly smooth roads or without wind. Puncture resistance needs to be considered, especially for us London riders!
You'll soon forget about minor speed improvements after your third puncture of the week.
Gears vs Single Speed
To maximise speed and efficiency, you're going to need gears.
Yes, they add weight, but they more than make up for it by allowing you to maintain your cadence across various terrains.
On the other hand, single-speed bicycles are simple and pleasurable to ride. Likely to save some money. They have one gear, familiar exertion, less weight, and fewer things to go wrong.
Perfect for those that are cycling short distances and are on a budget.