A vintage-style blue commuter bicycle with a tan leather saddle, whitewall tires, wood fenders, and cork handlebar grips, parked behind a blue station wagon with lots of trendy bumper stickers.

your path to vintage greatness in five, easy, steps.

People sitting outside a sidewalk cafe with neon lights, a city bicycle parked nearby, and potted plants on the building's brick wall.

step One

What will you use the bike for?

Form does follow function. While RENU Bikes aren’t ideal for winning stage races, triathalons, or showing up everyone on a Saturday Group A ride, how you ride will influence many design considerations.

  • Oh that more of us could exchange four wheels for two when it comes to getting to work, the shops, or anywhere else we need to go! Let’s discuss where and what time of day your commute happens.

  • Riding longer distances while toting various and sundry gear out on the open roads can be your ticket to freedom. But it does require a specific kind of bike that can handle whatever you throw at it.

  • Hey, no problem. Bikes are fun even for just going around the block! But that doesn’t mean you don’t want a bike that looks and rides like a million bucks—even if it doesn’t cost you anything near that much. Probably.

Close-up of a black Brooks English bicycle saddle with visible metal springs and the brand's metal tag on a touring bicycle.

step Two

What’s most important to you?

Everybody’s different and we don’t all want the same stuff. That’s why every RENU Bike is designed with the owner in mind. Your priorities will drive the end result so that from the first time you lay eyes on it, everything about it will seem familiar.

  • If you’ll be spending a lot of time on your RENU Bike and speed is less important than enjoyment, then let’s make sure it’s a comfortable place to be.

  • Who doesn’t want style? There’s nothing wrong with prioritizing the wow factor, so when people see you arrive on your RENU Bike, they say, “Wow.”

  • If you plan on weaving in and around obstacles or putting lots of miles behind you at one time, then we can ensure that nothing about your RENU Bike will slow you down.

An old, abandoned vintage steel bicycle frame and fork without wheels leaning against a wall in an outdoor area with dirt and leaves.

step three

Choose a donor vintage frame.

We’ve got lots of quality steel vintage frames in stock that you can choose from, each with it’s own unique story. If we don’t have the right frame in stock, we’ll find it for you. Why use an old frame instead of a new one? Click here to find out.

  • Regardless of how you’ll be using your RENU Bike, it’s important to find a frame that fits you. We’ve got a pretty wide range in stock, but can always find one if we don’t.

  • Whether you prefer a step through, mixte, or traditional frame design, we’ll find the perfect type to match your taste and use case.

  • We stock some standard, pretty awesome vintage colors like dark blue, forest green, dark red, and antique white. Plus the basics like black, white, and gray. But we do accommodate custom colors if you really want a unique, personalized look!

Close-up of the rear wheel and geartrain of a commuter bicycle, showing the chain, cassette, rear derailleur, and part of the frame on a sidewalk next to grass.

step four

Let’s talk stopping & going.

We will use all new, state-of-the-art components for your RENU Bike drivetrain and braking system. No skimping. But we also carefully select components that have a classic, timeless look and feel.

  • Exposed rear derailleurs are tried and true, but there are elegant alternatives, like integrated rear hubs. Let’s discuss!

  • Disc brakes look very cool and they stop bikes really well. And while we can indeed retrofit modern disc brakes onto a vintage frame—it ain’t easy or cheap. In point of fact, for most non-racing applications, rim brakes work great. But the choice is yours.

  • We prefer to fit most of our bikes with no more than eight speeds, which avoids needing both a front derailleur and a second chainring on the crankarms. Less complexity is good for durability and ease of service. But again—the choice is yours!

custom wood bicycle fender

step five

Finalize all the fun details.

We have several options to help customize your ride to reflect your own personal taste. You know, express yourself and all that. We’ll help you configure everything to ensure both great form and optimal function.

  • We’ll work within the constraints of your chosen frame to achieve the right look and ride quality you’re looking for.

  • We work with some primo fender suppliers, one of whom hand makes them out of wood. Yes, wood. And they are awesome. But if you don’t want fenders, we won’t add them. Again, your call.

  • Need to carry stuff? There are almost as many different kinds of racks as the kinds of stuff you may want to carry. Almost. We’ll do our best to accommodate your stuff-carrying needs while keeping that vintage look.

  • We’re fans of dynamo hubs and lights. No need to replace batteries. Super reliable. Not cheap, but they’ll last a really, really, really long time.

Let’s get started.

To find out more about building your custom RENU Bike, complete this form.