Bridging the Time Gap with Velo Orange
In the world of cycling, there's an undeniable allure surrounding vintage bicycles. These timeless machines evoke a sense of nostalgia, old-world craftsmanship, and character that is hard to replicate without going 100% custom. However, while many enthusiasts appreciate the aesthetics and charm of vintage bikes, they may not necessarily want to deal with the challenges and limitations of old standards. That's where Velo Orange comes in. With our carefully designed frames, components, and accessories that embody the spirit of vintage bicycles, we offer a modern solution for those seeking the classic appeal without the headaches of sourcing antiquated components.
The Beauty of Vintage Bicycles
Vintage bicycles have a unique visual appeal that captivates riders and collectors alike. They often feature elegant and intricate lugwork, polished components, fun paint jobs, and clever details that you no longer see on most production bikes today.
The fact that riders young and old seek out these types of bikes goes to show that those characteristics are sought out and desirable. And it definitely helps that those bikes are extremely affordable if you're willing to put in a bit of elbow grease to make those dusty steeds shiny again.
The popularity of vintage bikes is enduring. Every rider I know has good things to say about the old bikes that either got them started in riding or taught them everything they know about bikes. Of course, they have their nuances, but that is part of the fun and excitement about a new project.
Challenges of Restoring Old Bicycles
Of course, with older bikes you have the possibility of obsolete "standards". French threaded bottom brackets, 1 1/8" threaded steerers, worn out suspension, 126mm spacing, off-sized seatposts - none are out of the ordinary when fixing up and old bike. So be prepared that something weird may come up. And unless you can weld or are willing to shell out some dough to make frame changes, you'll have to make some sacrifices with what you really want.
For example, I have an old French bike that uses the narrow-spaced cantilever studs. Unless I have someone re-braze the frame for wider, modern spacing, the brakes will have to the OG Mafacs that came with the bike. They're fine and a bit of nerdery someone can see when it's parked.
It's part of the territory, and I promise that when it's all said and done, it will be worth it.
Velo Orange: Modern Products with Timeless Charm
Since 2006, VO has designed and offered frames, components, and accessories to bridge the gap between the old and new world - in both directions! The products we offer can bring some features of your old bike into the 21st century without sacrificing aesthetics. In the 40+ years of your bike's life, there are some consumables that should be replaced for safety-sake. But the appearance doesn't need to suffer.
As much as we embrace the vintage flair and style, we also take safety very seriously. We use materials and designs that conform to standardized testing requirements so you don't have to compromise on functionality for appearances.
And likewise, your modern bike can be made much more elegant and timeless with the right touches and features using VO parts! For starters, check out our Handlebars and Fenders. Those are our bread-and-butter and awesome jumping off points to get your bike dialed in.
Compatibility and Customization
If you don't want to tackle a refurb job and want something ready and compatible with modern components, our Frames are the perfect canvas to paint your dream bike.
And while we definitely skew into the touring, commuter, all-roady side of the bike industry, we feel that is what we know and what we do best. Let's face it, when a touring bike isn't being used for touring, it's a commuter/get-arounder. And more people using bikes for multiple things is better for infrastructure.
Our frames use modern standard compatibilities like threadless stems, disc brakes, quality tubing, and generous clearances because we feel that your bike should be an extension of you, and not limited to specific components because they are proprietary.
There are some modern things that work better than older stuff, and that's ok. And if you want to put your 8 speed Deore drivetrain on a Polyvalent because you like it, please do! That would be awesome. Or if you want to hop up your Neutrino with Sram wireless send us pics.
Riding Experience and Performance
VO Frames have a timeless ride quality. That means that even as your own preferences change on position or use, a VO frame will ride excellently. If you're going from drops to flats or vise-versa, the bike will be happy to follow.
In addition to a super smooth ride with or without a load, we make sure the frameset will look good 5, 10, 20, 50 years to come. There are some paint jobs that scream 2001 or matte craze, but VO frames use super high quality wet paint and simple graphics. As a gearhead too, I think that some of the most beautiful, and most recognizable cars have the least amount of jingles and jangles on them.
The Joy of Personal Expression
Every cyclist has a unique story to tell, and your bike can serve as a canvas for sharing that narrative. With Velo Orange frames, components, and accessories, you can build a bike that represents your experiences, aspirations, and values. From long-distance touring to urban commuting, from leisurely weekend rides to off-road adventures, each component choice and customization decision adds another layer to the bike's story, turning it into a personal artifact that reflects your journey.
Velo Orange bridges the gap between classic appeal and modern functionality by offering frames that capture the essence of vintage bicycles while incorporating contemporary design and compatibility. With Velo Orange, you can enjoy the timeless charm of vintage bikes without compromising on performance or convenience. Embrace the spirit of the past with the convenience of the present and embark on your cycling adventures with Velo Orange products that embody the best of both worlds.
I recently completed my second build of my 1972 Peugeot PX10 frame. I’ve gone all Campagnolo with the exception of Dia Comp Gran Comp aero levers with gum hoods and drilled levers. I bought the frame with a few suntour components in 1983 with the original french threaded bottom bracket and headset, and rode it until 2017. It took 5 years to find all the Campy parts that were in the same era minus a new Brooks seat. The paint is original with tough up paint that almost matches. I did have to get some reprinted Reynolds 531 decals for the frame an fork. Finding them in French was a bit harder.
I recently completed my second build of my 1972 Peugeot PX10 frame. I’ve gone all Campagnolo with the exception of Dia Comp Gran Comp aero levers with gum hoods and drilled levers. I bought the frame with a few suntour components in 1983 with the original french threaded bottom bracket and headset, and rode it until 2017. It took 5 years to find all the Campy parts that were in the same era minus a new Brooks seat. The paint is original with tough up paint that almost matches. I did have to get some reprinted Reynolds 531 decals for the frame an fork. Finding them in French was a bit harder.
All of my bikes are vintage conversions: a Vitus 979, ’84 Specialized Sequoia, and a 531 mystery bike I picked up locally. The latter two are 650B conversions, and the Sequoia is a single-speed.
What prevents me from buying a modern steel frame? They’re all horrendously overbuilt, sadly including the current Velo-Oranges. I will not buy any more steel road frames with 31.8 mm downtubes—the bikes are so stiff that it feels like rigor mortis has set in. And it just doesn’t seem like a reasonable design choice—I have broken three frames with OS tubing, and none off the standard ones, even though they’re around 40 years old and 60-63 cm frames, which would experience the highest stresses.
If Velo-Orange were to make a true vintage-compatible frame, with standard-sized, relatively light tubing, but with modern accoutrements (even including disk brakes!), you would have my immediate attention.
Good post. VO components have allowed me to both refurbish vintage bikes and build more modern bikes with the newer standards, too. Thanks for bridging both of those needs so well and not being stuck in retrogrouch land while still offering beautiful, timeless items. I’ve bought many components from you over the years, and besides the niche they fill (thank you), they’re always high quality and customer service is great.
I have purchased early ’80s, 126-mm rear OLD, lugged fork and frame bikes just for the quality of the way they ride while intending to update their 2×5 gear trains to 3×6 and replace their dangerous in wet weather, chrome-plated 27-inch steel rims with alloy 27-inch rims. This can still be done, but many of the necessary components have become scarce, so even a careful shopper should be prepared to lay out some serious coin to do it right and should always inspect a frame for possibly crushed chainstays, usually on their bottom sides and caused by over-tightened kickstands.
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