Vintage track bike frames are important in cycling culture. They are not just for riding but also show history. Collectors and fans love their special designs and skillful work. When you look at these frames, think about their quality and looks. Each frame has its own story, making it a gem for anyone who loves cycling.
Key Takeaways
Vintage track bike frames mix history and skill. This makes them special for collectors and bike fans.
Having a Colnago Super links you to cycling history. Eddy Merckx used it to set the Hour Record in 1972.
The Kory York Inspired frame uses modern methods with old designs. This gives a one-of-a-kind riding experience.
Raleigh Carlton frames show important progress in British cycling. They highlight quality and performance.
Buying vintage track bike frames is good for the environment. It can also be a smart money choice, as they usually increase in value.
1. Colnago Super Vintage Track Bike Frame
Specifications
The Colnago Super is a famous vintage track bike frame. This frame is light and made with great skill. Here are some important details:
Material: High-quality steel
Weight: About 5.75 kg (12.7 lbs)
Size Options: Comes in different sizes for riders
Geometry: Made for speed and good aerodynamics
Making this frame takes a lot of time and skill. It needs over 200 hours of careful work, showing how much Colnago cares about quality.
Unique Features
What makes the Colnago Super different from other vintage track bike frames? Here are some special features that make it a great choice for collectors and fans:
Specific Braze-Ons: Made for parts like shifters and bottle cages.
Unique Fork Designs: Shows club symbols and special markings.
Distinctive Bottom Bracket Shell: Has drilled holes and cut-outs for style.
Recessed Brake Calliper Mounting Nut: This design makes the bike look sleek.
Spool-Shaped Chain Stay Bridge: A change from the usual tube shape, improving looks and performance.
Cables Routed Under the Bottom Bracket: This keeps the bike neat and cuts down drag.
The Colnago Super is important in cycling history. It was the bike that Eddy Merckx used when he set the Hour Record in 1972. Merckx loved how Colnago bikes were built, so he got a custom track bike for this challenge. He broke the record, showing how well the bike performed.
The bicycle used by Eddy Merckx to break the Hour record in 1972 used a Colnago frame.
This frame is more than just a bike; it’s part of history. Owning a Colnago Super means you’re part of a story that honors the art of cycling.
2. Kory York Inspired Vintage Track Bike Frame
The Kory York Inspired Vintage Track Bike Frame is special in cycling. This frame mixes modern skills with classic looks. It is a favorite for many fans. If you like history and new ideas, check out this frame.
Specifications
The Kory York K2 Tracklocross frame is made in Rimini, Italy. It has many custom geometry choices. This helps every rider find the right fit. Here are its specifications:
Specification | X-Small | Small | Large | X-Large |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Stack | 516mm | 531.8mm | 555.9mm | 583mm |
Reach | 412.5mm | 419.6mm | 439.1mm | 449.9mm |
Seat Tube Length, C-T | 520mm | 540mm | 590mm | 620mm |
Top Tube Length | 505mm | 517mm | 550mm | 575mm |
Head Tube Angle | 74.5deg | 75deg | 75deg | 75deg |
Seat Tube Angle | 76.8deg | 76.25deg | 75.5deg | 74.5deg |
Wheelbase | 939mm | 946mm | 972mm | 990mm |
Fork Offset/Rake | 28mm | 28mm | 28mm | 28mm |
Tire Width | 28mm | 28mm | 28mm | 28mm |
Unique Features
What makes the Kory York frame unique? Here are some features that stand out:
Feature | Description |
|---|---|
Handmade | 100% handmade |
Material | High-quality 7000-series T6 aluminum alloy |
Welding | Handcrafted smooth welding |
Geometry | Straight geometry |
Size Options | XS, S, M, L, XL (custom geometry available) |
Weight | 1660g (size S) |
Bottom Bracket Threading | BSA BB 68mm (English) |
Seatpost Diameter | Ø 27.2 mm by Dedacciai® (Ø 31.6 mm available) |
Head Tube | External 1-1/8″ (custom options available) |
Customization | Available in multiple sizes and custom geometry |
The Kory York K2 frame is inspired by the old Cannondale track frames. It focuses on handmade quality while keeping classic designs. Released in 2017, the K2 model brings back vintage looks in track cycling.
Owning a Kory York frame means you get more than a bike. You get a piece of cycling history. This frame shows the hard work and love for cycling that many fans have. Whether you race or just ride for fun, this vintage track bike frame gives you style and performance.
3. Raleigh Carlton Vintage Track Bike Frame
The Raleigh Carlton Vintage Track Bike Frame is important in cycling history. This frame came out after Raleigh bought Carlton Cycles in 1960. This purchase helped Raleigh enter the custom racing bike market. This was key for staying competitive in lightweight cycling. Gerald O’Donovan, a main person at Carlton, kept making great bikes. He helped improve British cycling.
Specifications
Here are the main specifications of the Raleigh Carlton frame:
Component | Specification |
|---|---|
Frame | 700c, Mixte Twin Top Tube Frame, Steel |
Fork | Steel with Die Cast Drop Outs |
Headset | Sealed, 1-1/8″ |
Axles | Nutted |
Rims/Wheels | Alloy, 40mm High Profile, CNC Brake Surface |
Hubs | Front: Alloy, 32 Hole; Rear: Alloy Track Hub, Fixed/Free, 32 Hole |
Tires | Kenda K193, 700 x 32c |
Crankset | Forged Alloy, Three Piece with Guard |
Bottom Bracket | Sealed Cartridge |
Saddle | Classic Road with Rivets |
Unique Features
What makes the Raleigh Carlton special? Here are some features that stand out:
Craftsmanship: The frame has beautiful lugwork and uses Reynolds 531 double-butted tubes. This design helps both performance and looks.
Fastback Rear Triangle: This unique design helps with aerodynamics and makes the bike look sleek.
High Bottom Bracket: This feature gives better clearance and handling, making it great for track racing.
The Raleigh Carlton frame is more than just a bike; it tells a big story in cycling history. Its light design and quality work made it popular with racers and fans. Even now, collectors love this vintage track bike frame for its history and performance.
Owning a Raleigh Carlton means you’re part of a story that changed cycling. Whether you race or ride for fun, this frame gives you style and function.
4. Vitus 979 Vintage Track Bike Frame
The Vitus 979 Vintage Track Bike Frame is special in cycling. It is known for being light and flexible. This frame has a great history in professional racing. If you want a vintage track bike frame that mixes performance with history, the Vitus 979 is a great pick.
Specifications
Here are some important details about the Vitus 979:
The frame is made of bonded aluminum. The main triangle is anodized aluminum.
It has tight geometry like ’80s racing bikes. This means there is little space between the tire and seat tube.
This frame is very flexible. It is often called one of the most flexible high-end road frames in the last twenty-five years.
The standard rear dropout spacing is 126mm. It can flex to fit 130mm hubs without damage.
The seat post diameter is 25.0 mm. It is held by a set screw instead of a regular clamp.
Unique Features
What makes the Vitus 979 different from other aluminum frames? Here are some special features:
Bonded Aluminum Construction: This makes the frame light and strong.
No Steel Lugs: This helps it have unique flex compared to other aluminum frames.
Comfort and Performance: It was made with both in mind, making it popular with riders.
The Vitus 979 has a strong history in professional racing. It was known for being light and performing well. It helped riders like Sean Kelly achieve great success. The frame could speed up quickly and reduce vibrations, which was helpful in races.
Owning a Vitus 979 means you get more than just a bike. You get a piece of cycling history. This frame shows the creativity and skill that marked a time in cycling.
5. Nagasawa Vintage Track Bike Frame
The Nagasawa Vintage Track Bike Frame is special in cycling. It is known for its amazing craftsmanship. This frame is loved by both collectors and racers. It’s more than just a bike; it’s part of history, especially in Japanese keirin racing.
Specifications
Here are the main specifications of the Nagasawa frame:
Specification | Details |
|---|---|
Bottom Bracket Threading | English |
Tubing | Tange |
Fork | 1″ threaded steerer, 27.0 (JIS) fork crown race seat |
Seatpost | 27.2 |
This frame uses high-quality Tange steel tubing. It has double-butted tubing, which makes it lighter but still strong. The way it’s made shows years of racing knowledge, making it great for competition.
Unique Features
What makes the Nagasawa frame really special? Here are some features that stand out:
NJS Certified: This means the frame meets high standards for official Keirin racing in Japan.
Traditional Track Geometry: The design helps performance on velodromes, with steep angles for better aerodynamics.
Handcrafted Precision: Each frame shows skill in steel work, with a tight rear triangle and detailed paint.
Durability: Strong lugged steel and heavy-duty Tange tubing make it last longer and perform better.
Mr. Nagasawa, the builder, has a strong history in the sport. His frames are not just bikes; they show a rich tradition in Japanese cycling. Owning a Nagasawa frame means you’re part of a story that values quality and performance. Whether you race or just ride for fun, this vintage track bike frame gives you style and function.
Vintage track bike frames are important in cycling culture. They mix history, skill, and performance. This makes them interesting for collectors and fans. Each frame has its own story, like the Colnago Super. This frame helped Eddy Merckx break the Hour Record.
Think of these frames as smart buys. They usually cost less and last a long time, which makes them worth it. Plus, fixing them up is good for the environment!
Bike Model | Historical Significance |
|---|---|
Colnago Super | Used by Eddy Merckx to set the Hour Record in 1972. |
Kory York Inspired | Inspired by classic designs, blending modern craftsmanship with vintage aesthetics. |
Raleigh Carlton | Represents British cycling advancements after Raleigh’s acquisition of Carlton Cycles. |
Vitus 979 | Known for its lightweight and flexible design, popular among professional racers. |
Nagasawa | NJS certified, showcasing the rich tradition of Japanese keirin racing. |
Owning one of these frames means you’re part of cycling history. So, why not add one to your collection? 🚴♂️
FAQ
What makes vintage track bike frames special?
Vintage track bike frames are special because of their great craftsmanship, unique designs, and important history. They show a rich cycling tradition and often use materials and methods that new bikes do not have.
Why should I consider collecting vintage track bike frames?
Collecting vintage track bike frames lets you own a piece of cycling history. These frames can increase in value and give you a unique riding experience that mixes nostalgia with performance.
How do I maintain a vintage track bike frame?
To keep your vintage track bike frame in good shape, clean it often, check for rust, and make sure all parts are working well. Store it in a dry area to avoid moisture damage.
Are vintage track bike frames suitable for racing?
Yes, many vintage track bike frames are made for racing. They usually use lightweight materials and aerodynamic designs, which help them perform well on the track. Just make sure they follow current racing rules.
Where can I find vintage track bike frames?
You can find vintage track bike frames at local bike shops, online stores, and cycling events. Auctions and vintage bike shows are also great places to find unique frames.
See Also
Key Characteristics of Classic Bike Frames in 2025
The Enduring Importance of Steel Frame Road Bikes
Essential Retro Bike Frame Insights Every Fan Should Know