Cycling UK Forum

On a recent trip to Paris I was interested to see how many ‘classic’ racing bikes were being ridden as everyday hacks. No step through frames but straight top bars, down tube shifters probably 27in wheels and skinny tyres. Additionally they were being ridden mostly by females. My Better Half noticed that too!

In a city that is awash with bicycles of all descriptions seeing these stylish icons of yesteryear was a real delight ; somehow quintessentially Paris on two wheels.

Unlike London, they have at least one proper bike shop.

https://www.cycles-alex-singer.fr

I still have a few horizontal top tube bikes but only one with down-tube shifters. I love that era of bike. Todays kit might be lighter and more aero but it looks cumbersome and has a dubious aesthetic. The elegance of a thin tubed steel frame, devoid of clips and bands for accessories and components is still the perfect look for a bike, as far as I am concerned.

I noticed lots of these in Brussels too. I suspect the main attraction is that they're regarded as expendable: you can ride them into the ground then chuck them, and they're less attractive to thieves as their resale value is negligible.