Aside from the back of the stem being so bulky and extending way past the steer tube, the bike looks AWESOME. Deep wheels look so cool on thin tubed bikes. Beautiful. Glue those tires on already and ride it! I've seen (your) wind tunnel test results showing it should only be about 10w slower than a current aero frame.
I like this idea. This would look fantastic if you didn’t have the totally clashing handlebar stem. Just go to a normal stem or even better revert to a quill stem. You can get pretty modern style 40cm quill compatible bars and that would look magnificent, consistent with the old school bottle cages…
Agreed. Looks absolutely awful with that humongous stem on that tiny headtube and headset. You could make it look a lot sleeker with a sleek and long stem and still use aero bars. Cables are externally anyway.
@@JeffreyWilliams-dr7qe Isn't this frame aluminum?? Aluminum frames go back to the 80's. I still have a late 90's 25 year old TCR, that started the "compact frame" craze.
Great video, but its so expensive because you absolutely decked out the bike. Good vintage frames can be had for 100-200 USD/EUR, and parts can be bought used too. If they had gone with normal rims and maybe an 10 or 11 speed 105 from a few years ago, it would have come out way cheaper - possibly under 1500 USD/EUR total. If you are interested in doing this (and I can highly recommend it, as it's very satisfying), don't be put off by the quoted price. That's probably the most expensive neo-retro/restomod you will ever see.
I think this is more of the idea that you CAN use modern parts on a older bike, not that you need to use the best components. I currently have a neoretro build thats about 2.8k usd of parts but i know its not for everyone.
@@Jonas-gu2bb Yea but the point of the comment was precisely that other frames can be had for much cheaper. Granted, there is a lot of people trying to make a big dime with their vintage bikes, but if one were to look long enough, even the much sought after Binachi Steel frames from the 80s can be found for under 300
There is a guy who has an old ti Merlin with some NICE used parts (and new wheels) on it and it was about 1500£ with Campag on It. It looks really nice and it’s an awesome bike. I would 100% ride it
I was shouting no about the handlebar/stem as soon as I saw it so glad you are of the same opinion. Good quality separate bar and stem will finish it off perfectly. Brave man using tubular on a bike for longer enjoyable rides. Braver then me!
I like the idea of using an old frame resprayed and modernised using new components but gutting to see such a nicely complete donor bike destroyed to make this one.
Exactly. I recently build up a bike by miself. Cost way more than a similar finished build would had me cost. But i LOVE it and i learnt so mus building this up.
For me, the financial, functional, and emotional value are tied together and would be a result of riding it, not just because I built it. I don't have a lazy $10k waiting for me to build something that's not enjoyable to ride or that turned into something I was just never really happy with.
Pretty sweet build. Would love to see Alejandro do more episodes like this, perhaps one using a 105 rim brake groupset and respectable but more budget friendly parts. Many of us have older bikes kicking around as secondary bikes, loaners, winter beaters, etc. Breathing some new life into them at a more affordable price point would be fun to see.
Absolutely love this series. Built up a Bianchi frame from the 90s with modern parts last year. Personally, I went for a 105 mechanical groupset, mainly to keep the costs reasonable. The initial build was about £ 1.5k. However, the beauty of building things up yourself, is that you can always add and replace stuff. I have just installed new wheels which are better than my previous ones, I have already replaced handlebars... And like someone else in the comments said: these builds are all about the emotional value, not about the financial. I genuinely look at my bike every single day with love and excitement in my eyes, because it is not just a very good bike, but it's also undoubtedly "my" bike.
The bike is superb! A project like this is about learning, the enjoyment of doing the build yourself, challenges notwithstanding, and ultimately riding the bike regularly. There will be many opinions on what could have been and should be done differently. But look at the end result … a stunner, to say the least! Inspiring me to do a neo-retro build myself. Chapeau Alex!
I got given a 2002 Pinarello Prince frame. Alloy/ carbon front and rear. I chucked on a modern(ish) 11 speed Campag Athena groupset I had in a cupboard, and a pair of Zipp 202s. The result rides superbly and weighs 7.4kg with pedals and a heavy Regal saddle. It's a 60cm frame.
This is some top shelf content Alex! I can't wait to see it in action. I've built two neo-retro/resto-mod bikes, each went a different direction. I literally spared no expense on my late 80's Pinarello Montello. I waited months for Chris King to do a run of 1in Titanium Headsets then had a custom reproduction fork made. I finished it off with a custom set of wheels with ceramic bearing Chris King R45's. It took me a few years to get it on the roadbed was worth the wait. It's a joy to ride, it snaps necks when wherever it goes, and the best part is it's right at home in a spicy group ride. It's an heirloom that hangs in my living room when it's not being used. It looks so good that non-bike people think that having a bike displayed in your house is perfectly normal. My other is a '92 Cannondale R900 that I stripped the old faded paint off of, polished, and re-stickered. A friend was upgrading his bike and gave me his old 2nd Gen Sram Red mechanical parts (one on my favorite groups of all time) for it. I used a set of older carbon wheels I had in my basement, bought a new Columbus Carbon fork, then got some inexpensive bits and pieces to finish it off. The result was a fairly high end, but inexpensive bike I can travel with or ride in foul weather without too much fuss. If it gets scratched I can polish it out and slap on new stickers. With research and patience you can build resto-mod bike pretty much however you like on any budget. But just like any other ground up bike build, you need to have a vision on how you're going to ride it. My next one will be a Bianchi Pinella...If I can find one...
Good job! For me the key thing with neo retro builds is to have something that makes it radically different from just a modern parts upgrade. I therefore like the bar and stem combo. Edgy!
I think this is awesome - glad to see an older bike that will be ridden for many more years! The ride planned sounds like GCN+ of old and I’m pumped for it.
Dope build. Handlebars look fine, but I do prefer a regular lightweight stem and carbon fiber drop bars. My wife found a neglected 2001 Cannondale r500 by a rubbish can with a 9 speed Tiagra triple. I stripped it, cleaned it, rethreaded the bottom bracket shell, and bought my friend's r7000 group, fulcrum wheels and prologo saddle from his 2019 supersix since I helped him upgrad to dura ace. Bike looks dope, modern and I brought it back from the dead for like $300. It's a $2000 build. Neoretros are great if you can find quality parts for cheap.
That's a thing of beauty, but I can't get over the fact that an extra wire had to be run through the frame for the electronic shift to work. What if there was one magic cable that could do the shifting and its command at the same time, it would be glorious... (sarcasm). That adverse hiccup aside, great job, Bruce!
A binge watch these when I'm waiting on parts for my bikes. It turns out to be a good thing sometimes it'll show me something I've never learned before.
I get they had to please the corporate overlords, but SRAM, separate bar and stem, clincher or tubeless wheels, would have made this multi-day build, a one day build.
OMG That bike is amazing. It looks way better than the ones that cost a fortune, of course it doesn’t have a technology than the new ones have but I will keep that one all day long Congratulations beautiful Bike.
I think the bike looks mint! But similar to other comments, the handlebar doesn't look like it integrates well with the frame Great work though Alex, love watching builds like this
Love your work, she’s a beauty. I just upgraded my 2017 Giant Defy to Di2 12sp Ultegra. I’d already upgraded the wheels to Zipps (I broke an original on a curb). I was able to keep my rotors and brakes which was a saving. Though not exactly cheap, it was cheaper than upgrading to a whole new bike. The added bonus, is I still get to look at her every day and say to myself, that’s the bike I love riding.
We can agree/disagree on the aesthetics of the final product. One this is not debatable: the new build has character. And, Alex, I bet it has more than a little bit of you now in it. Thanks for this great story!
But but but, the threaded steerer is now being loaded as it was never meant to be. Sure you have a sleeve but the thread root is a stress raiser and prone to cracking. The original design takes the load through the shaft of a quill stem and it transfers that load to the steerer tube over a 150mm length. What we have here is a stem and bar arrangement putting load into the thread root just above the top bearing race. A Nitto Dynamic stem with Soma Highway One bars will look boss…. People will want to strike up conversations with you in the street, you’ll be invited to parties, you’ll get pen friends…. Win win…
Top Tip for all of us tubular lovers out there: Tufo tubs can be repaired with sealant or even be plugged like a tubeless tire out on the road. No need to be worried when riding tubs far from home. Because they are essentially a tubeless tubular. Tufos used to have a reputation for rolling badly and feeling slow. I've found that this is a thing of the past. I'm using the Hi-Composite tubs in 28c and they're just as fast as my Vittoria Corsas before.
Personally I love these kinds of projects, and breathing new life into an old, and beautiful frame. I will say that you can, and I have built up an old frame with new and less expensive components, such as shimano 105 and ultegra wheels. This will reduce the cost considerably. The one I built up is not only my favorite bike to take on long road adventures but it is a unique build which separates me from everything else out there. Great series guys, and can't wait to see the next instalment. Hopefully Ollie will leave the carbon at home and take it easy on everyone else.
Looks beautiful... nice colour... subtle touch of fleck makes it pop, love that retro frame! I think you need to grow a hipster moustache though... if you really want to complete the look. LOL! Your totally right about the handlebars being a little out of place.
Well done, Alex! This old man is delighted to watch you exploring what can be done with the mixing of new and old technologies. I’m 69, planning some gearing changes for the upcoming Mt Locke Hillclimb in Ft Davis, Texas. Only 7 miles, begins at 5,200’ asl and finishes at 6,800’. Gradients range from 3~4% at the start, 6~10% through most of the ride, with the final half-mile kicking up to 13~18%. I’m riding a 2012 Cannondale Synapse, with 3x10 Shimano 105 groupset, and will change the rear derailleur to an old-school, 9-speed, XTR M971. Also changing cassette from 12-27t 105 to 11-36t SLX 10-speed. Combined with the 53/39/30t triple chainring setup, I’ll have a 1.2:1 low gear, 0.22:1 high gear, with a 545% range… did I mention that after everyone finishes the climb, we get to do the descent like the lunatics we are?!?😁❤️
I grabbed a frame off Chris Birtwhistle's ebay shop for 145 quid. He knew it was a Bernard Carre. He dated it incorrectly, but I immediatley identified it. It was liveried Peugeot. The frame was built for Bernard Borreau for the 1974 season with Peugeot. Mssr Bourreau was 5' 4" and the frame is 51 cm. Bernard B was nicknamed P'tit frere, 'Little brother' by Bernard Thevenet. It has just been showed at the Tom Simpson Retro event. I bought a set of Mafac Top 63 brakes off my good friend Doug Pinkerton for an amazing £50. Stronglight 49D for £45. M14 x 1.125 threaded. Everything else, I had. The bike weighed in at 9.2 kg. Cost. £350. Things to watch out for on a Retro Build:- Bottom Bracket thread. Steerer thread. Bottom Bracket Q distance and Chainline. Rear ALN ' Across Lock Nuts. Rear derailleur mount. Cable guides. Seat post diameter. Brake stirup drop. PS, That Pinney is far too modern for a 'Retro modern' build. Try a 531 70s frame.
I love the final build. It reminds me of my old Rossin Performance neo/retro build with DA9000 mechanical and Zipp202 wheels. Jon Cannings called me a naughty boy after submitting it to the bike vault 🤣
Your "new" bike is looking fantastic. As I mentioned in my comment on the first video, the biggest weight advantage in my conversion came from a new carbon fork, which was also able to accommodate a new stem. I love my 1996 Cannondale CAD 3 just as much and will love it even more with the new components.
Absolutely smashing success! I love what you’ve done here. I agree with the masses - the bars just don’t look good at all. Aside from that, it’s a beautiful mix of old and new.
A beautiful frame to begin with. Well edited vid too. Balancing old and new is always tricky because some advancements carried more of a racing advantage vs aesthetics. A separate stem and handlebar for example seems like a better period match. But a 3D printed saddle can work. Good to find out that the project was sponsored because it helps explain why such a modern, high-end groupset when, for that frame, a mechanical Italian set might have been more in sync with the period. The glitter of silver spokes added a lot to the look of that period and that today, is hard to reproduce. Still, I won't kick it outta my bed.
Sweet build! LOVE me some old steel bikes. I convert most of mine to single speed/fixed gear but the swag factor is off the charts and so is the durability/reliability!
Great "academic" project, but yeah 9K, holy bike heaven! Next, how about a really tricky one...a pre 1990 classic frame, and there are many, like an Alan, or Vitus, or Raliegh (pre rear frame 135mm spacing) with modern "affordable" components, even going down the Aliexpress route, no parts bins, no freebie shop hand-me-downs, 500 quid max limit, for everything!
Great work Alex. Retromodding an old classic is always so much fun. I rebuilt a 1979 Coventry Eagle, with modern parts and even had to weld on a new drop out to take a modern derailleur. It came with an original, but rusted Shimano Exage groupset, which broke my heart taking all of it to the scrap bin. The ride afterwards was lovely, but it was not to everyone's taste... as the comments on the GCN Plus ap let me know! 🤣
This video series reminds me of an episode of Top Gear or The Grand Tour. The episode in question was a company (or companies) that took classic desired cars from the 60s and 70s and forced them into the 21st century by updating all the important bits like brakes and electronic internals. Alex, you've just done the same... And the more I look at this bike, the more I can appreciate it's beauty. I don't like the seat stays or the pitch of the fork but it makes sense in this context. This was a clever idea. Well done you. ❤
@@zwicker5585 This looks to be a welded aluminum frame, so I think it's mid 90's. 130mm spacing got popular in the late 80's and my 89 pinarello has 128mm spacing that can accommodate 126 FW or 130mm freehub wheels.
16:20 : ‘The solution was super simple. This bike already had 135mm spacing at the back and modern wheels simply slotted in.’ Did you miss that explanation?
I train with a bike that I built more out of necessity than out of a desire to see how it would turn out. It's a 1992 Alfamec Stiletto, built with a mix of 105 11v and Ultegra kits. Carbon aero handlebars, retro chromolybdenum forks. Original aluminum seatpost measuring 26.8mm in diameter. 24/20h wheels. I love the bike!
Awesome video - my experience of diy projects is that there are always things you realise / change your mind on as you go - great to see that represented! In retrospect, perhaps 50mm wheels with clincher tyres might be better for epic rides, and I think a handlebar with a rounder head tube attachment might look better.
I think it looks great as it is, even the rocketship cockpit on the classic head tube has its charm. Kudos to Shimano for the rim brake groupset, I didn't notice that they introduced those options for latest Ultegra/Dura-Ace. Only the tubular choice makes this a bit of a garage princess, that's the only thing I'd change. 8,2 kilograms aren't spectactular but the frame just offsets the weight too much, and it is a rather large, too.
I enjoy your work very much. I believe that I understand your concept of widening the gap from vintage frame to modern groupset and cockpit and it is fun. But if I wanted to modernize a bike like this I would focus on practical improvements at a more reasonable price point. Still, I live what you guys do and appreciate it very much. Keep up the good work!
Beautiful build and great to get something so nice out of a retro bike. Did something similar with my Orbea Aqua from 2011 just recently. Used Wheeltop EDS TX electronics. Fully wireless, and for Rim Brakes. No drilling required.
There's no correct answer since each build reflects the desires of the builder and their budget. I'm a vintage and retro kind of guy and I have a fleet of bikes, some neo, some properly retro and some in between so I can appreciate what you've done and why. One dedicated for Eroica so absolutely built for climbing (Campag racing triple, 11/30, long cage SR rear mech), descending and reliability from vintage parts. Your build is sweet, if spending way too much money is not a priority. Going to the top shelf is nice, but unnecessary and likely out of reach for many. Clinchers are so good these days making tubs obsolete for a bike you actually intend to ride. But I get the sentiment. I'm impressed with getting the electronic shifting all done, that's a nice touch. I've tried electronic shifting, while it works OK can't say I ever loved it turns out I prefer manual, but I can see the appeal for what you have in mind. Those bars are low, you are going to discover why that's not an awesome thing for a bike you intend putting some miles on I suspect. As you mentioned compact gearing with 11/36 is a top idea. I'd have taken a different approach focusing more on reliability than bling and convenience. On an Italian frame I would have gone a manual Campagnolo Chorus drivetrain. I have Potenza on mine but sadly its unavailable now. All my wheels are custom, strong, light and fast and I'll bet all of them together cost less than the wheels you put on your project. And Pirelli Cinuratos, 26mm as the Corsas have proven stupendously fragile on the open road. Corsa tubs I'd be amazed if you get to the bottom of the driveway without a flat. Deda aluminium stem and handlebars because you can still buy them new. Saddle of your choice. Alloy rims in the profile of your choice. Box section if you want a more retro look, otherwise something like a DT Swiss R470 for a light strong fast wheel with whatever hub floats your boat. I have modern Campagnolo hubs fitted to one set which is nice, but there are better options. Not as blingy, but fast, comfortable and reliable and a bike you can ride all day long. Good job with your build, I can't wait to see how you are after 100 miles in the saddle.
Love it. I personally did similar thing but a bit more "sensibly" by using a non-immaculate vintage bike though: I used a solid but tatty old 84 Raleigh Corsa frame/forks I then got powder coated beautiful sparkly orange. Originally I put new bars and changed from friction to indexed with cheap Shimano Tourney 7-speed, but it was so fun to ride but let down by the cheapest groupset, after a year or so I put R7000 mechanical 105 on it (newest at the time), which is still a lot sweeter price point than dura-ace electronic and still feels pretty much on par as any top spec modern mechanical road groupset. No new frame holes required, clamp on front derailleur, and naturally rim-brakes. It all just fits with new bars on a quill stem adapter and modern threaded BB. Super bike, I love it. I defo need to send a pic for the bike vault sometime. :)
I don’t care what anyone thinks. It’s absolutely glorious 🥰😍🕶️ I love it. A totally new life for a beautiful frame. The bottom bracket brings it into the 21st century. Brilliant work 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 Well done Alex 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻
I acquired my late father’s Raleigh SBDU 531 pro frame set ,happily his custom build is my size exactly,and rebuilt it with Campagnolo Chorus Modern group set resulting in an excellent club bike, and even raced it in TT and cat 3/4 crits.
Last winter I have done a similar project. I bought an old Bianchi steel frame from someone and fited a set of new wheels, a campagnolo centaur group in silver, a columbus carbon fork and a few other bits to it. After the new paint job, ofc in celeste, it looks like new. All in all i payed around 1600€. Compared to my modern carbon bikes it feels a bit soft while puting out some more watts but im quite happy with it and it get a lot of attention as well :D Nice project Alex
As someone who still owns a 1990 Pinarello road bike (bought new) still equipped with Campy C-Record and tubulars, I approve. My only complaint here is I think these older bikes look better with alloy groups, but that’s pretty much impossible these days. Still, great job bringing a classic frame up to date! If you’re clever about such a build, I think it could be done for a lot less. I’ve been thinking about something similar because the 12-24 freewheel isn’t built for my old age. 😂 (My new bike has 11-34 and tubeless and I do love it.)
Great bike, much more interesting than a £9k modern bike. Best videos on GCN and it's definitely inspired me to do something similar just much cheaper with something like 105.
It's a little funky but I sort of love the handlebars on that frame. Didn't know you could do a threaded to threadless stem conversion like that, made it look very easy
absolutely love it!! wish it was mine. It's like an Classic American muscle car with all the modern tech. That one is Boss. I have a titanium bike with Di2 and it's fully orange accent-out all over from saddle, bottle cage bolts, and pedals. trying to find orange bolts to change the stem bolts. it has the orange Chris King hubs and headset. I also have orange accent bike helmet, shoes, and gloves. And I recently picked up an orange Rapha jersey. So you can imagine how I jumped when I saw the image for this video. Go SF Giants!
What are your thoughts on the final build? 🚲
Lower profile wheels would have been a much better match for the retro bike. In terms of retro style.IMO.
@@Archiconocidoagreed. Maybe C24 tub
Aside from the back of the stem being so bulky and extending way past the steer tube, the bike looks AWESOME. Deep wheels look so cool on thin tubed bikes. Beautiful. Glue those tires on already and ride it! I've seen (your) wind tunnel test results showing it should only be about 10w slower than a current aero frame.
The stem is proper grim like. You should’ve gone with a Deda Superleggero or summation. Aside from that I think it’s proper bo. 9/10 here!
I like this idea. This would look fantastic if you didn’t have the totally clashing handlebar stem. Just go to a normal stem or even better revert to a quill stem. You can get pretty modern style 40cm quill compatible bars and that would look magnificent, consistent with the old school bottle cages…
Amazing build but you could do better with the handlebars. They just seem off because of the angular stem mount section.
They look terrible.
PRO is a Shimano brand, so they probably had to go the whole hog with the 'partnership'.
He needs to find a stem that matches the bike better.
Those bars do look horrendous on this frame!
The stem looks too fat.
I would choose separate stem and handlebar for this bike
absolutely
And not-as-deep section wheels with all-black tyres that do not look like lorry wheels on this sleek frame.
Absolutely. That stem looks as nice as two pistols on a kid hands 🥲
Agreed. Looks absolutely awful with that humongous stem on that tiny headtube and headset. You could make it look a lot sleeker with a sleek and long stem and still use aero bars. Cables are externally anyway.
old frames with new components are always beautiful
More beautiful with boxed vintage discovered in the stock room of an old bike shop. Sentimental?
I prefer silver 7700 and 7800 components, on steel or aluminum frames.
@billkallas1762 Vintage Aluminum?. Any still in existance? Impossible! What's the point?
3:09 dropping some nice beats
@@JeffreyWilliams-dr7qe Isn't this frame aluminum?? Aluminum frames go back to the 80's. I still have a late 90's 25 year old TCR, that started the "compact frame" craze.
Great video, but its so expensive because you absolutely decked out the bike. Good vintage frames can be had for 100-200 USD/EUR, and parts can be bought used too. If they had gone with normal rims and maybe an 10 or 11 speed 105 from a few years ago, it would have come out way cheaper - possibly under 1500 USD/EUR total. If you are interested in doing this (and I can highly recommend it, as it's very satisfying), don't be put off by the quoted price. That's probably the most expensive neo-retro/restomod you will ever see.
I think this is more of the idea that you CAN use modern parts on a older bike, not that you need to use the best components. I currently have a neoretro build thats about 2.8k usd of parts but i know its not for everyone.
So just the pinarello frameset cost 1,294.35 dollrs¿
@@Jonas-gu2bb Yea but the point of the comment was precisely that other frames can be had for much cheaper. Granted, there is a lot of people trying to make a big dime with their vintage bikes, but if one were to look long enough, even the much sought after Binachi Steel frames from the 80s can be found for under 300
I don't think being cost-conscious is the point of videos like that.
There is a guy who has an old ti Merlin with some NICE used parts (and new wheels) on it and it was about 1500£ with Campag on It. It looks really nice and it’s an awesome bike. I would 100% ride it
I was shouting no about the handlebar/stem as soon as I saw it so glad you are of the same opinion. Good quality separate bar and stem will finish it off perfectly. Brave man using tubular on a bike for longer enjoyable rides. Braver then me!
I like the idea of using an old frame resprayed and modernised using new components but gutting to see such a nicely complete donor bike destroyed to make this one.
If anyone measures this bike by financial value or by functionality rather than emotional value, they're doing it wrong. Can't wait for part 3.
Exactly. I recently build up a bike by miself. Cost way more than a similar finished build would had me cost. But i LOVE it and i learnt so mus building this up.
For me, the financial, functional, and emotional value are tied together and would be a result of riding it, not just because I built it. I don't have a lazy $10k waiting for me to build something that's not enjoyable to ride or that turned into something I was just never really happy with.
Enjoy
Pretty sweet build. Would love to see Alejandro do more episodes like this, perhaps one using a 105 rim brake groupset and respectable but more budget friendly parts. Many of us have older bikes kicking around as secondary bikes, loaners, winter beaters, etc. Breathing some new life into them at a more affordable price point would be fun to see.
yes, but I would add .... MUCH MUCH MUCH more affordable price point. Crazy how expensive this was to build.
ruclips.net/video/LvZ6VnL8SHg/видео.html
I have already done it! As i said in, this build using my Trek and 105 was the inspiration for this video!
Absolutely love this series. Built up a Bianchi frame from the 90s with modern parts last year. Personally, I went for a 105 mechanical groupset, mainly to keep the costs reasonable. The initial build was about £ 1.5k. However, the beauty of building things up yourself, is that you can always add and replace stuff. I have just installed new wheels which are better than my previous ones, I have already replaced handlebars... And like someone else in the comments said: these builds are all about the emotional value, not about the financial. I genuinely look at my bike every single day with love and excitement in my eyes, because it is not just a very good bike, but it's also undoubtedly "my" bike.
I did this with my Somec 8 years ago. It's still my favorite bike I've ever owned.
What things did you change?
I did this with a 2002 Lemond with 105 components. It's breathed a lot of new life into the frame.
The bike is superb! A project like this is about learning, the enjoyment of doing the build yourself, challenges notwithstanding, and ultimately riding the bike regularly. There will be many opinions on what could have been and should be done differently. But look at the end result … a stunner, to say the least! Inspiring me to do a neo-retro build myself. Chapeau Alex!
I got given a 2002 Pinarello Prince frame. Alloy/ carbon front and rear. I chucked on a modern(ish) 11 speed Campag Athena groupset I had in a cupboard, and a pair of Zipp 202s. The result rides superbly and weighs 7.4kg with pedals and a heavy Regal saddle. It's a 60cm frame.
What a great video. I reckon I’d have done it with Super Record mechanical, though. Lovely work!
I think you're right. Campy is the logical choice for a Pinarello
@@hailcsryeah, it would have maybe avoided drilling and battery cable runs too.
Ferrari frame with Ford escort parts😂
Shimano sponsored the video tho 😉
This is some top shelf content Alex! I can't wait to see it in action. I've built two neo-retro/resto-mod bikes, each went a different direction. I literally spared no expense on my late 80's Pinarello Montello. I waited months for Chris King to do a run of 1in Titanium Headsets then had a custom reproduction fork made. I finished it off with a custom set of wheels with ceramic bearing Chris King R45's. It took me a few years to get it on the roadbed was worth the wait. It's a joy to ride, it snaps necks when wherever it goes, and the best part is it's right at home in a spicy group ride. It's an heirloom that hangs in my living room when it's not being used. It looks so good that non-bike people think that having a bike displayed in your house is perfectly normal. My other is a '92 Cannondale R900 that I stripped the old faded paint off of, polished, and re-stickered. A friend was upgrading his bike and gave me his old 2nd Gen Sram Red mechanical parts (one on my favorite groups of all time) for it. I used a set of older carbon wheels I had in my basement, bought a new Columbus Carbon fork, then got some inexpensive bits and pieces to finish it off. The result was a fairly high end, but inexpensive bike I can travel with or ride in foul weather without too much fuss. If it gets scratched I can polish it out and slap on new stickers. With research and patience you can build resto-mod bike pretty much however you like on any budget. But just like any other ground up bike build, you need to have a vision on how you're going to ride it.
My next one will be a Bianchi Pinella...If I can find one...
Good job! For me the key thing with neo retro builds is to have something that makes it radically different from just a modern parts upgrade. I therefore like the bar and stem combo. Edgy!
I think this is awesome - glad to see an older bike that will be ridden for many more years! The ride planned sounds like GCN+ of old and I’m pumped for it.
That's the plan!
4:00, oh Billy it was all going so well ! Seriously, excellent work. Super nice for my money.
That stem is like putting a carbon fiber spoiler on a 1986 Volkswagen gulf.
Aesthetics aside, it does look line the bike would be great to ride though....
Hey it's been done. As long as it's functional 🤣
What a beautiful bike I love the idea. I was thinking of doing something similar myself on this side of the pond. We call it a restomod!
In interest of saving weight and time downtube friction shifters combined with Dura Ace derailleurs would be the Boss. Enjoy your day my friend. 🧡
Dope build. Handlebars look fine, but I do prefer a regular lightweight stem and carbon fiber drop bars. My wife found a neglected 2001 Cannondale r500 by a rubbish can with a 9 speed Tiagra triple. I stripped it, cleaned it, rethreaded the bottom bracket shell, and bought my friend's r7000 group, fulcrum wheels and prologo saddle from his 2019 supersix since I helped him upgrad to dura ace. Bike looks dope, modern and I brought it back from the dead for like $300. It's a $2000 build. Neoretros are great if you can find quality parts for cheap.
That's a thing of beauty, but I can't get over the fact that an extra wire had to be run through the frame for the electronic shift to work. What if there was one magic cable that could do the shifting and its command at the same time, it would be glorious... (sarcasm). That adverse hiccup aside, great job, Bruce!
avoiding drilling...which i agree would have been best...would have required sponsorship from the "other" groupset manufacturer
A binge watch these when I'm waiting on parts for my bikes. It turns out to be a good thing sometimes it'll show me something I've never learned before.
Use SRAM groupo, no holes or cables necessary.
I did this with my 14 year old bike, luckily (SRAM) is still selling rim brake versions.
It is really funny that Shimano sponsored a video where SRAM is the obviously better choice, lol.
@@squngy0 SSSSsssssssshhhhhhHHHHH
SSSSsssssssshhhhhhHHHHH
I get they had to please the corporate overlords, but SRAM, separate bar and stem, clincher or tubeless wheels, would have made this multi-day build, a one day build.
Cool idea with the sleeve for the steerer tube. Instead of cutting it though, I would have left the chimney to drive folks crazy. 😊
OMG That bike is amazing. It looks way better than the ones that cost a fortune, of course it doesn’t have a technology than the new ones have but I will keep that one all day long Congratulations beautiful Bike.
I think the bike looks mint!
But similar to other comments, the handlebar doesn't look like it integrates well with the frame
Great work though Alex, love watching builds like this
Kudos to the editor on this one, the flow was so good.
That is more bike than you can buy off the shelf. Always better. P.S love your honesty with yourself along the way through the build.
Best thing presenters on channel have done .old top teir frames are masterpieces
That looks absolutely beautiful, amazing job bro, keep posting contents like these please
Thanks, will do!
My 2019 TCR is DA9100 mechanical, rimbrake and C40 tubs, rides a dream
Love your work, she’s a beauty.
I just upgraded my 2017 Giant Defy to Di2 12sp Ultegra. I’d already upgraded the wheels to Zipps (I broke an original on a curb).
I was able to keep my rotors and brakes which was a saving. Though not exactly cheap, it was cheaper than upgrading to a whole new bike.
The added bonus, is I still get to look at her every day and say to myself, that’s the bike I love riding.
We can agree/disagree on the aesthetics of the final product. One this is not debatable: the new build has character. And, Alex, I bet it has more than a little bit of you now in it. Thanks for this great story!
But but but, the threaded steerer is now being loaded as it was never meant to be. Sure you have a sleeve but the thread root is a stress raiser and prone to cracking. The original design takes the load through the shaft of a quill stem and it transfers that load to the steerer tube over a 150mm length. What we have here is a stem and bar arrangement putting load into the thread root just above the top bearing race. A Nitto Dynamic stem with Soma Highway One bars will look boss…. People will want to strike up conversations with you in the street, you’ll be invited to parties, you’ll get pen friends…. Win win…
Top Tip for all of us tubular lovers out there: Tufo tubs can be repaired with sealant or even be plugged like a tubeless tire out on the road. No need to be worried when riding tubs far from home. Because they are essentially a tubeless tubular. Tufos used to have a reputation for rolling badly and feeling slow. I've found that this is a thing of the past. I'm using the Hi-Composite tubs in 28c and they're just as fast as my Vittoria Corsas before.
Looks pretty awesome
Personally I love these kinds of projects, and breathing new life into an old, and beautiful frame. I will say that you can, and I have built up an old frame with new and less expensive components, such as shimano 105 and ultegra wheels. This will reduce the cost considerably. The one I built up is not only my favorite bike to take on long road adventures but it is a unique build which separates me from everything else out there. Great series guys, and can't wait to see the next instalment. Hopefully Ollie will leave the carbon at home and take it easy on everyone else.
Looks beautiful... nice colour... subtle touch of fleck makes it pop, love that retro frame! I think you need to grow a hipster moustache though... if you really want to complete the look. LOL!
Your totally right about the handlebars being a little out of place.
Looks incredible!! I’d bet it rides nearly as fast as modern superbikes, especially in flat course. I’ll keep watching!!
Well done, Alex! This old man is delighted to watch you exploring what can be done with the mixing of new and old technologies. I’m 69, planning some gearing changes for the upcoming Mt Locke Hillclimb in Ft Davis, Texas. Only 7 miles, begins at 5,200’ asl and finishes at 6,800’. Gradients range from 3~4% at the start, 6~10% through most of the ride, with the final half-mile kicking up to 13~18%. I’m riding a 2012 Cannondale Synapse, with 3x10 Shimano 105 groupset, and will change the rear derailleur to an old-school, 9-speed, XTR M971. Also changing cassette from 12-27t 105 to 11-36t SLX 10-speed. Combined with the 53/39/30t triple chainring setup, I’ll have a 1.2:1 low gear, 0.22:1 high gear, with a 545% range… did I mention that after everyone finishes the climb, we get to do the descent like the lunatics we are?!?😁❤️
Awesome build Alex!! Agree with the rest of GCN and viewers on the stem bar combo.
So glad you did this, showing that an older frame and fork doesn't have to have antiquated parts. I think you should race it.
I grabbed a frame off Chris Birtwhistle's ebay shop for 145 quid. He knew it was a Bernard Carre. He dated it incorrectly, but I immediatley identified it.
It was liveried Peugeot. The frame was built for Bernard Borreau for the 1974 season with Peugeot. Mssr Bourreau was 5' 4" and the frame is 51 cm.
Bernard B was nicknamed P'tit frere, 'Little brother' by Bernard Thevenet.
It has just been showed at the Tom Simpson Retro event.
I bought a set of Mafac Top 63 brakes off my good friend Doug Pinkerton for an amazing £50. Stronglight 49D for £45. M14 x 1.125 threaded.
Everything else, I had.
The bike weighed in at 9.2 kg. Cost. £350.
Things to watch out for on a Retro Build:-
Bottom Bracket thread.
Steerer thread.
Bottom Bracket Q distance and Chainline.
Rear ALN ' Across Lock Nuts.
Rear derailleur mount.
Cable guides.
Seat post diameter.
Brake stirup drop.
PS, That Pinney is far too modern for a 'Retro modern' build.
Try a 531 70s frame.
This is about the most interesting bike you have featured recently
Love it! Beautiful build, can't wait to see what you think of the ride!
Bike looks fab Alex !
Beautiful bike gave me lots of ideas for my 1996 cannondale R600 as long as you like what you created who cares what everyone else thinks
I love the final build. It reminds me of my old Rossin Performance neo/retro build with DA9000 mechanical and Zipp202 wheels. Jon Cannings called me a naughty boy after submitting it to the bike vault 🤣
Love it. Excellent work.
Your "new" bike is looking fantastic. As I mentioned in my comment on the first video, the biggest weight advantage in my conversion came from a new carbon fork, which was also able to accommodate a new stem. I love my 1996 Cannondale CAD 3 just as much and will love it even more with the new components.
sweet build. and those bars are all good, they just make it that much more efficient.
Absolutely smashing success! I love what you’ve done here. I agree with the masses - the bars just don’t look good at all. Aside from that, it’s a beautiful mix of old and new.
this bike looks brilliant - I think Standert is leading the way on vintage looks with modern performing rocket ships!
A beautiful frame to begin with. Well edited vid too.
Balancing old and new is always tricky because some advancements carried more of a racing advantage vs aesthetics. A separate stem and handlebar for example seems like a better period match. But a 3D printed saddle can work.
Good to find out that the project was sponsored because it helps explain why such a modern, high-end groupset when, for that frame, a mechanical Italian set might have been more in sync with the period. The glitter of silver spokes added a lot to the look of that period and that today, is hard to reproduce.
Still, I won't kick it outta my bed.
Sweet build! LOVE me some old steel bikes. I convert most of mine to single speed/fixed gear but the swag factor is off the charts and so is the durability/reliability!
Great "academic" project, but yeah 9K, holy bike heaven!
Next, how about a really tricky one...a pre 1990 classic frame, and there are many, like an Alan, or Vitus, or Raliegh (pre rear frame 135mm spacing) with modern "affordable" components, even going down the Aliexpress route, no parts bins, no freebie shop hand-me-downs, 500 quid max limit, for everything!
Love deep wheels on an old frame - much like a fixie build. Take that as you will!
Tubs on an epic ride. Hope you’ve got a team car following you.
He could have taped it and brought spares.
now that is a proper pinarello to my eyes (i cannot stand the new models i have to admit) love their older alu and steel road bikes.
There is something appealing about vintage frame designs
Try something a little more accessible? Like how nice of a bike can you build for 1k without using sponsorships.
Great work Alex. Retromodding an old classic is always so much fun. I rebuilt a 1979 Coventry Eagle, with modern parts and even had to weld on a new drop out to take a modern derailleur. It came with an original, but rusted Shimano Exage groupset, which broke my heart taking all of it to the scrap bin. The ride afterwards was lovely, but it was not to everyone's taste... as the comments on the GCN Plus ap let me know! 🤣
i have red hair and would still happily ride that bike it's so cool. 👌🏻 well done.
😁
This video series reminds me of an episode of Top Gear or The Grand Tour. The episode in question was a company (or companies) that took classic desired cars from the 60s and 70s and forced them into the 21st century by updating all the important bits like brakes and electronic internals. Alex, you've just done the same... And the more I look at this bike, the more I can appreciate it's beauty. I don't like the seat stays or the pitch of the fork but it makes sense in this context. This was a clever idea. Well done you. ❤
Love me some neo-retro
16:20 : rear spacing is 130mm (standard since mid 1980s), not 135mm (mtb and disc).
Idk if 130 was standard yet in the mid 80s. I had to cold set my GFs frame last year and its a mid 80s bike
@@zwicker5585 This looks to be a welded aluminum frame, so I think it's mid 90's. 130mm spacing got popular in the late 80's and my 89 pinarello has 128mm spacing that can accommodate 126 FW or 130mm freehub wheels.
@@impaledface7694 yeah the video says this alu frame has 135mm spacing
16:20 : ‘The solution was super simple. This bike already had 135mm spacing at the back and modern wheels simply slotted in.’
Did you miss that explanation?
@@johnwestwell2241 the rear spacing is 130mm for this frame and for the wheelset, not 135mm as was said in the video. Pay attention!
Great video! Really enjoyed the build, thanks Alex for taking up this project and showing us how to blend retro and modern elements! ❤️✌🏾
Fred Whitton challenge is epic!! Please please please get Si to do it on the £82.50 bike 😂
I train with a bike that I built more out of necessity than out of a desire to see how it would turn out. It's a 1992 Alfamec Stiletto, built with a mix of 105 11v and Ultegra kits. Carbon aero handlebars, retro chromolybdenum forks. Original aluminum seatpost measuring 26.8mm in diameter. 24/20h wheels. I love the bike!
Beautiful build Alex, just what I like to see. And ride 😃👍. Great video.
Awesome video - my experience of diy projects is that there are always things you realise / change your mind on as you go - great to see that represented!
In retrospect, perhaps 50mm wheels with clincher tyres might be better for epic rides, and I think a handlebar with a rounder head tube attachment might look better.
Nice restomod😊
I would have kept it mechanical campag with alloy rims at much lower cost
Lower than free, because Shimano sponsored the video? 😏
The bike looks amazing!! Great project👍🗜️⚙️🪛🧰
I think it looks great as it is, even the rocketship cockpit on the classic head tube has its charm. Kudos to Shimano for the rim brake groupset, I didn't notice that they introduced those options for latest Ultegra/Dura-Ace. Only the tubular choice makes this a bit of a garage princess, that's the only thing I'd change. 8,2 kilograms aren't spectactular but the frame just offsets the weight too much, and it is a rather large, too.
I enjoy your work very much. I believe that I understand your concept of widening the gap from vintage frame to modern groupset and cockpit and it is fun. But if I wanted to modernize a bike like this I would focus on practical improvements at a more reasonable price point. Still, I live what you guys do and appreciate it very much. Keep up the good work!
Really love the build except for that stem. Pretty excited to see how it rides!
Awesome job Alex, looks mint matey
Beautiful build and great to get something so nice out of a retro bike. Did something similar with my Orbea Aqua from 2011 just recently. Used Wheeltop EDS TX electronics. Fully wireless, and for Rim Brakes. No drilling required.
There's no correct answer since each build reflects the desires of the builder and their budget. I'm a vintage and retro kind of guy and I have a fleet of bikes, some neo, some properly retro and some in between so I can appreciate what you've done and why. One dedicated for Eroica so absolutely built for climbing (Campag racing triple, 11/30, long cage SR rear mech), descending and reliability from vintage parts. Your build is sweet, if spending way too much money is not a priority. Going to the top shelf is nice, but unnecessary and likely out of reach for many. Clinchers are so good these days making tubs obsolete for a bike you actually intend to ride. But I get the sentiment. I'm impressed with getting the electronic shifting all done, that's a nice touch. I've tried electronic shifting, while it works OK can't say I ever loved it turns out I prefer manual, but I can see the appeal for what you have in mind. Those bars are low, you are going to discover why that's not an awesome thing for a bike you intend putting some miles on I suspect. As you mentioned compact gearing with 11/36 is a top idea.
I'd have taken a different approach focusing more on reliability than bling and convenience. On an Italian frame I would have gone a manual Campagnolo Chorus drivetrain. I have Potenza on mine but sadly its unavailable now. All my wheels are custom, strong, light and fast and I'll bet all of them together cost less than the wheels you put on your project. And Pirelli Cinuratos, 26mm as the Corsas have proven stupendously fragile on the open road. Corsa tubs I'd be amazed if you get to the bottom of the driveway without a flat. Deda aluminium stem and handlebars because you can still buy them new. Saddle of your choice. Alloy rims in the profile of your choice. Box section if you want a more retro look, otherwise something like a DT Swiss R470 for a light strong fast wheel with whatever hub floats your boat. I have modern Campagnolo hubs fitted to one set which is nice, but there are better options.
Not as blingy, but fast, comfortable and reliable and a bike you can ride all day long. Good job with your build, I can't wait to see how you are after 100 miles in the saddle.
Love it. I personally did similar thing but a bit more "sensibly" by using a non-immaculate vintage bike though: I used a solid but tatty old 84 Raleigh Corsa frame/forks I then got powder coated beautiful sparkly orange. Originally I put new bars and changed from friction to indexed with cheap Shimano Tourney 7-speed, but it was so fun to ride but let down by the cheapest groupset, after a year or so I put R7000 mechanical 105 on it (newest at the time), which is still a lot sweeter price point than dura-ace electronic and still feels pretty much on par as any top spec modern mechanical road groupset. No new frame holes required, clamp on front derailleur, and naturally rim-brakes. It all just fits with new bars on a quill stem adapter and modern threaded BB. Super bike, I love it. I defo need to send a pic for the bike vault sometime. :)
I don’t care what anyone thinks. It’s absolutely glorious 🥰😍🕶️ I love it. A totally new life for a beautiful frame. The bottom bracket brings it into the 21st century. Brilliant work 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 Well done Alex 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻
I acquired my late father’s Raleigh SBDU 531 pro frame set ,happily his custom build is my size exactly,and rebuilt it with Campagnolo Chorus Modern group set resulting in an excellent club bike, and even raced it in TT and cat 3/4 crits.
Great job. Looks lovely apart from the bars and stem.
Thanks Alex, and crew. Are you happy ? That is what matters .
Love it. Awesome colour
Last winter I have done a similar project. I bought an old Bianchi steel frame from someone and fited a set of new wheels, a campagnolo centaur group in silver, a columbus carbon fork and a few other bits to it. After the new paint job, ofc in celeste, it looks like new. All in all i payed around 1600€. Compared to my modern carbon bikes it feels a bit soft while puting out some more watts but im quite happy with it and it get a lot of attention as well :D
Nice project Alex
As someone who still owns a 1990 Pinarello road bike (bought new) still equipped with Campy C-Record and tubulars, I approve. My only complaint here is I think these older bikes look better with alloy groups, but that’s pretty much impossible these days. Still, great job bringing a classic frame up to date!
If you’re clever about such a build, I think it could be done for a lot less. I’ve been thinking about something similar because the 12-24 freewheel isn’t built for my old age. 😂 (My new bike has 11-34 and tubeless and I do love it.)
Beautiful build!
Great bike, much more interesting than a £9k modern bike. Best videos on GCN and it's definitely inspired me to do something similar just much cheaper with something like 105.
This bike r must better and pleasant to ride than any other bike believe me great build 💪🏻💥
Thanks for confirming my choice for SRAM AXS
Looks lovely!
Would be interesting to see your Di2 cable routing from shifters to rest of components?
Top job!
👍
Love it, once again some amazing content
It's a little funky but I sort of love the handlebars on that frame. Didn't know you could do a threaded to threadless stem conversion like that, made it look very easy
I think it looks great. I would ride that all day, any day!
Th e handle bars look bad ass keep em build looks great Love It 😊
This is so cool! I have a titanium Basso that I bought in 2000. I have been trying to modernize it bit by bit.
absolutely love it!! wish it was mine. It's like an Classic American muscle car with all the modern tech. That one is Boss. I have a titanium bike with Di2 and it's fully orange accent-out all over from saddle, bottle cage bolts, and pedals. trying to find orange bolts to change the stem bolts. it has the orange Chris King hubs and headset. I also have orange accent bike helmet, shoes, and gloves. And I recently picked up an orange Rapha jersey. So you can imagine how I jumped when I saw the image for this video. Go SF Giants!