The 30 best retro bike brands
Raleigh, Haro and Pinarello lead our ranking of 30 retro bike brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Retro Bike brands, ranked
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1
Raleigh
Raleigh offers a wide range of bicycles for every sort of person and every kind of need. They take great pride in contributing to this heritage by providing each biker with superior-quality, advanced equipment. Their comfortable women's collection includes mountain, hybrid, and city cycles. It is a business that produces bikes for commuting, recreation, and sports. They specialize in tandem, mountain, urban, and cruiser bikes. They provide a variety of bikes for men and women, including road racing and cyclocross models.
Website: raleighusa.com |Brands like Raleigh
Popularity 10.0/10
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2
Haro
For almost 30 years, Haro has been a dominant force in the BMX Freestyle scene. Haro is happy to continue our commitment to promoting and supporting BMX Freestyle culture, from supplying the greatest gear and inspiration to building the most famous teams. The Haro lineup has something for everyone, from pro-level to entry-level. It is a BMX bike manufacturer that produces high-quality freestyle bikes for various categories. There's something for every rider, from park to street to flatland cycles. Haro's mission is to ensure that everyone has the right bike for their needs, from top-end pro-grade equipment to entry-level equipment.
Website: harobikes.com |Brands like Haro
Popularity 7.9/10
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3
Pinarello
Biking is not only a sport; it is a lifestyle. Pinarello is a premier manufacturer of bicycles with a long history in the sport. Founded by Giuseppe (Giusseppi) and Antonio Pinarello, professionals from the Renzo Rivolta workshops, it was founded in Italy in 1982. Since then, Pinarello has evolved to make bikes suitable for gravel roads, urban landscapes, and even e-bikes for cities. Team your favorite bike with their exclusive line of biking accessories and clothing and make a statement.
Website: pinarello.com |Brands like Pinarello
Popularity 7.1/10
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4
Peugeot
Peugeot takes the cake for having a colorful history. It was set up in 1810 as an industrial manufacturer that produced band saws, coffee grinders, umbrella frames, and similar products. Soon, it changed courses drastically and decided to focus on motor products. Its first car was introduced in 1989, becoming one of the oldest car manufacturers worldwide. Today, its product line has expanded to include two-wheelers and a variety of vehicles.
Website: cycles.peugeot.com |Brands like Peugeot
Popularity 6.5/10
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5
Cannondale
Cannondale began its story in 1971. This was when the world was interested in rapidly changing with innovations and a spirit of creativity. Cycling did not have much advancement, so they changed the way you look at cycling now. Cannondale made a way to enhance the experience and created a path to walk on. New technology and materials were experimented with to create a smooth ride. Cannondale bikes are now favored by riding enthusiasts worldwide. They keep on adapting to the changing times.
Website: cannondale.com |Brands like Cannondale
Popularity 5.8/10
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6
Giant
Giant is the place to go if you love the thrill and adventure of bike riding! Giant is a leader in making professional bicycles widely used in racing and triathlons. They sell Road and Mountain bikes made for riding on rough and rocky roads. They also sell electric cycles and kid's bikes made from high-quality and durable material. The company has a catalog for biking gear and apparel specially designed for pro cyclists.
Website: giant-bicycles.com |Brands like Giant
Popularity 5.0/10
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7
Trek
Trek makes the path very easy for all the adventurers. The company is a manufacturer of bikes, and they understand the true joy of riding a bike. Mountain bikes and gear bikes are among the many kinds of bikes they make. Trek started from humble beginnings, and they have grown a lot with time and experience. People who like to go on long rides and discover the narrow roads are the ones that can call themselves true adventurers. Trek knows that feeling of curiosity, and they try to make the conduct smoother.
Website: trekbikes.com |Brands like Trek
Popularity 5.0/10
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8
GT
GT Bicycles is a top maker of top-quality bicycles for beginners and avid riders. They provide bikes for every rider in various materials, including titanium, carbon fiber, and aluminum. GT believes that no detail is too little for having fun and feeling good while riding, so they only utilize premium-grade materials and components on their bikes. GT remains the most recognizable brand in the sector because of the company's inventive designs and love of riding. The firm produces the world's lightest, fastest, and best-handling bicycles.
Website: gtbicycles.com |Brands like GT
Popularity 4.6/10
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9
Specialized
Specialized is a leading Bikes company that manufactures and sells various kinds of bikes, including Mountain and Road Bikes. They aim to make life-changing bikes that make riding and your daily commute much easier and more enjoyable. Since 1974, they...
Website: specialized.com |Brands like Specialized
Popularity 4.6/10
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10
Kona
Kona was established back in 1988. They are focused on making way for bicycle enthusiasts. Kona is dedicated to creating bicycles of the highest grade that can be found. A top priority is using quality parts to create a unique...
Website: konaworld.com |Brands like Kona
Popularity 4.6/10
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11
Schwinn
Schwinn is winning the race when it comes to bicycles. The company was established back in 1895 in Chicago. The founder genuinely loved riding and wanted the whole world to experience the joys of this sport. You can now find...
Website: schwinnbikes.com |Brands like Schwinn
Popularity 4.6/10
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12
Muddy Fox
Muddy Fox is one of the most well-known mountain biking brands. As an active extreme sports company, they cater to adrenaline seekers; its scope includes bicycles, clothing, accessories, and peak, road, and hybrid bicycles. Muddy Fox's hybrid bike line consists...
Website: muddyfox.com |Brands like Muddy Fox
Popularity 4.6/10
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13
Dawes
Dawescycles is an English brand of cycles manufactured by Tandem group cycles. Founded in 1926, they are the makers of one of the finest cycles in the UK based on decade-old experience. They make revolutionary bikes and cycles with unique...
Website: dawescycles.com |Brands like Dawes
Popularity 4.6/10
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14
Marin
A good bike is every rider's best friend while cycling. Marin is an American bike company founded in 1986. It is known to manufacture compatible cycling gear for bike lovers worldwide. Their critically acclaimed range of collections includes bikes for...
Website: marinbikes.com |Brands like Marin
Popularity 4.1/10
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15
Puch
Puch manufactures bicycles of every form according to the customer’s need. There are regular bicycles and electric bicycles that work on various systems like Bosch, Shimano, Bafang, and Ananda. The brand was established in 1899, and it’s been over 120...
Website: puch-bikes.com |Brands like Puch
Popularity 3.5/10
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16
Kent
Kent is a well-known bicycle manufacturer. It has been making bicycles for a long time and has a global reach. Kent's advanced bike range promises to deliver the ultimate ride experience with its many years of experience. Kent Bikes are...
Website: kent.bike |Brands like Kent
Popularity 2.9/10
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17
Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz is an e-commerce platform where they have listed their hotels, restaurants, events, and services. The in-house restaurant follows the organic and farm-to-table trends and serves Mexican, Chinese, seafood, bbq, and vegan food; It includes hotels with spectacular seaside...
Website: santacruz.com |Brands like Santa Cruz
Popularity 2.9/10
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18
BSA
The origins of BSA dates back to the year 1689 at the court of King William III and Mary. The association arose out of the necessity to acquire military weapons. The company has stood the test of time and it...
Website: bsaoptics.com |Brands like BSA
Popularity 2.9/10
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19
Campagnolo
Campagnolo generates significant components for racing, touring, and dirt bikes. Tullio established it in 1933 and has always been a group company. Their corporate headquarters are in Vicenza, a picturesque city in the Veneto region, where they also have their...
Website: campagnolo.com |Brands like Campagnolo
Popularity 2.9/10
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20
Hercules
Hercules provides the most effective and creative digital music services for you and your family to enjoy. Enjoy millions of more great tracks worldwide, created by a diverse range of artists and composers. You may receive help with everything, from...
Website: hercules.com |Brands like Hercules
Popularity 2.9/10
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21
Diamondback
Diamondback is a well-known bicycle manufacturer that uses only the best materials in its creations. Their goal is always to provide you with the best quality bicycles. Diamondback's objective is to provide all riders with the most innovative designs, quality,...
Website: diamondback.com |Brands like Diamondback
Popularity 2.9/10
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22
Saracen
Saracen is a popular English manufacturer of bicycles. The brand, founded in 1983, has grown as a huge enterprise recognized worldwide. Mountain bikes are the most famous among the different bike types manufactured at Saracen. Known for their lightweight features,...
Website: saracen.co.uk |Brands like Saracen
Popularity 2.9/10
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23
Colnago
Colnago is dedicated to the art of cycling. This company sells bikes to enthusiasts. They understand the joy of riding, and they want everyone to have a joyful experience while riding a motorcycle. Colnago has researched a lot to manufacture...
Website: colnago.com |Brands like Colnago
Popularity 2.9/10
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24
Vilano
Vilano Bikes delivers bikes of excellent quality, efficiency, unique designs, and reasonable pricing. There are road bikes, mountain bikes, electric bikes, hybrid bikes, folding bikes, kid's bikes, and even cycling shoes. Furthermore, stand-up paddle boards, skates, and bike components are...
Website: vilanobikes.com |Brands like Vilano
Popularity 2.9/10
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25
Red Line
Red Line manufactures unique BMX race and freestyle bikes and hardware spare parts. The huge motorcycles have an excellent selection of vehicles with tektro mechanical disc brakes and those extremely fat 3-inch wide tires. All bikes to make it appear...
Website: redlinebicycles.com |Brands like Red Line
Popularity 2.0/10
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26
Bianchi
Bianchi is regarded across the globe for producing the best quality, most inventive bicycles. They are committed to delivering quality bicycles that fulfill the needs of competitive riders of all levels. They constantly push the envelope, expand into new categories,...
Website: bianchi.com |Brands like Bianchi
Popularity 2.0/10
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27
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28
Reynolds
Reynolds is a British manufacturing firm and the world's oldest cycling tube maker. The firm offers chrome-plated steel tubing for bicycle frames. It's about getting out of your routine and experiencing the world around you. Its tubes are used in...
Website: reynoldstechnology.biz |Brands like Reynolds
Popularity 2.0/10
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29
Viking
Viking is a renowned online motorbike retailer that offers an expansive range of motorcycle clothing. They provide male and female motorcycle helmets, jackets, gloves, boots, and other accessories. Buy motorbike accessories from their online store to save money. Visit today...
Website: vikingcycle.com |Brands like Viking
Popularity 2.0/10
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30
Condor
Condor took roots back in 1980. They manufacture outdoor gear for extreme situations. The company's founder, Spencer Tien, spent most of his life forming close relationships with the army and the navy. These relationships form the very foundation of the...
Website: condoroutdoor.com |Brands like Condor
Popularity 2.0/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raleigh | raleighusa.com | /RaleighBicycles | RaleighBicycles | @RaleighBicycles | Raleigh Bicycles |
| Haro | harobikes.com | /HaroBikesMTB | harobmx | @harobikesmtb | Masi Bicycles |
| Pinarello | pinarello.com | – | – | – | – |
| Peugeot | cycles.peugeot.com | /CyclesPeugeot | peugeot.cycles | – | UC3qaoGrp3cVE7iCYPzpJhQ |
| Cannondale | cannondale.com | /RideCannondale | ridecannondale | @ridecannondale | CdaleBRAD |
| Giant | giant-bicycles.com | – | – | – | – |
| Trek | trekbikes.com | /TrekBicycleIndia | trekbikesindia | @TrekBikesIndia | trekbikesusa |
| GT | gtbicycles.com | /GTBicycles | gtbicycles | – | GTBicycles1 |
| Specialized | specialized.com | – | – | – | – |
| Kona | konaworld.com | /The-Kona-Bicycle-Co | konabikes | @konaworld | – |
Retro Bike Buying Guide
Are you in the market for a new bike, but looking for something with a classic or vintage feel? Retro bikes have become increasingly popular in recent years, as people seek out the nostalgia and style of past eras. However, with so many options available, it can be difficult to know where to start when buying a retro bike. In this guide, we will walk you through the key features to look for and considerations to keep in mind when purchasing a retro bike.
Frame Material
One of the first considerations when buying any bike is the frame material. The material not only impacts the aesthetics of the bike, but also affects its weight, durability, and overall ride quality. Retro bikes may be made from a variety of materials, including:
- Steel: Steel frames provide a classic aesthetic and are known for their durability. They can be heavier than other materials, but also offer a smooth ride.
- Aluminum: Aluminum frames are often lighter than steel frames, making them a popular choice for those who prioritize speed and efficiency. They may not have the same classic aesthetic as steel frames, but often come in retro-inspired designs.
- Titanium: Titanium frames offer a similar durability to steel, but with a lighter weight. They can be more expensive, but may be worth the investment for those who are serious about their biking.
- Carbon Fiber: Carbon fiber frames are the lightest of all the materials listed here, making them ideal for racing and other high-performance situations. They may be less common in retro bike styles, but can provide a unique take on the classic aesthetic.
Each material has its own benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to consider your priorities and how you plan to use the bike when selecting a frame material.
Wheel Size
The wheel size of your bike can also have a big impact on your ride quality. Retro bike wheels may be smaller than those found on modern bikes, but can still offer a smooth and enjoyable ride. Common wheel sizes for retro bikes include:
- 700c: This is a common size for road bikes, and can provide a fast and efficient ride. It may not offer as much cushioning as other wheel sizes.
- 26-inch: This is a smaller wheel size that may offer more cushioning and stability, making it a good choice for casual riders.
- 27-inch: This is a slightly larger size than the 26-inch, and can provide a good balance of speed and stability.
Again, your choice of wheel size will depend on your intended use for the bike, as well as your personal preferences.
Brakes
Another consideration when selecting a retro bike is the braking system. Different bikes may have different types of brakes, each with their own benefits and drawbacks:
- Rim brakes: These are the most common type of brakes found on retro bikes. They work by pressing brake pads against the metal rim of the wheel, and can be effective in most situations.
- Disc brakes: Disc brakes are becoming more common on modern bikes, but may also be found on retro-inspired models. They work by using a disc attached to the wheel hub, and can provide more powerful braking than rim brakes.
- Coaster brakes: These brakes are located in the rear hub and are activated by pedaling backwards. They may be less common on retro-styled bikes, but can offer a unique and classic feel.
Your choice of brakes will depend on your needs and preferences. If you plan to ride in wet or muddy conditions, for example, disc brakes may be a better choice than rim brakes for their increased stopping power.
Gears
The number and type of gears on your retro bike can also impact your riding experience. Different bikes may have different types of gearing systems:
- Single-speed: As the name suggests, single-speed bikes have only one gear. They are simple and easy to maintain, but may not be well-suited for hilly terrain or long-distance rides.
- Internal hub: With an internal hub system, the gears are located inside the rear wheel hub. This can provide a clean and classic look, while still offering multiple gears for varied terrain.
- Derailleur: A derailleur system uses a chain that is moved between different gears by a mechanism on the bike frame. This is a common system found on road bikes and can provide a wide range of gear options.
Your choice of gearing will depend on your riding preferences and the terrain you plan to tackle. If you plan to do a lot of hill climbing, for example, you may want a bike with multiple gears to make the task easier.
Style
Finally, one of the most important considerations when buying a retro bike is the style. Retro bikes may take inspiration from a variety of eras and styles, and often prioritize aesthetics and charm over high-tech features. Some common retro bike styles include:
- Cruiser: Cruiser bikes often have a laid-back style and may feature wide handlebars and a comfortable saddle. They are typically well-suited for casual riding and may be a good choice for those who prioritize comfort over speed.
- Road bike: Road bikes are typically lighter and more streamlined than cruiser bikes, and may feature drop handlebars for increased aerodynamics. They are good for longer rides or speed-oriented activities.
- City bike: City bikes are designed for urban environments, and are often equipped with features like fenders, racks, and lights. They may be a good choice for commuters or those who do most of their riding in the city.
You may also find retro-inspired bikes that combine modern technology with classic styling, such as electric bikes with vintage frames. Your choice of style will depend on your personality and intended use for the bike.
Conclusion
Buying a retro bike can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it’s important to keep in mind the key considerations when selecting a bike. Consider your priorities, including your desired frame material, wheel size, braking system, gearing, and style. With the right bike, you can enjoy the nostalgia and style of past eras while still experiencing the joy and excitement of modern cycling.
