THE LIGHT BLUE ST JOHNS RETRO
The frame
The slender tubing is Reynold’s thinwalled and butted 725 steel, which has been brazed and lugged to create this beautiful bike. With the chrome details, classy colour scheme and hand-painted lug lining, the St Johns looks like a bike that should cost more. Thankfully the more modern geometry and compliant ride mean this faux-vintage bike rides as well as it looks. Get into the groove of cruising along while anticipating the terrain with gear shifts and braking zones and you’ll fall for the Retro.
The parts
The optional accessory pack (£250) with a porter rack and matching canvas bag, leather saddle pack and secure rattle-free copper ’guards are worth the extra cash. We also loved the ninespeed drivetrain operated by nonindexed down-tube shifters that make you think about your shifting. The centre-pull brakes take a while to get accustomed to, but the idiosyncrasies of the running gear make for a fun ride.
Hassle-free vintage
If the idea of styling it up on a Sunday cruise or entering events like L’Eroica appeal, but you don’t have the time or ability to tackle a full restoration project, the St Johns complies to retro event rules. Add a set of clip and strapequipped pedals and you’re good to go, safe in the knowledge than none of the new parts will suffer from fatigue or corrosion following decades of use.
ONE THING WE’D CHANGE The tyres
The Halo Courier tyres are big enough at 29mm, and one of the toughest commuter tyres around thanks to their hefty construction and puncture protection, but the Retro would benefit from lighter and more supple rubber. They’d have to be skinwall, so Vittoria’s Corsas or Challenge’s Stradas would add some pep to the ride.