Everyone Loves a Classic

Back by popular demand, a Classic Category! It's time to show everyone that everything old is new again, especially when it comes to that classic beauty of a bike in your garage. Whether you've always ridden a gem that's 1995 or older, or it's one of many bikes in your stable, the chance to bring out this bike for an event is a can't miss opportunity.

You'll have a special Classics Corral (Granfondo category only) at the start, as well as a group of classic enthusiasts to ride with. You'll also have a special perk just for doing the ride on your classic.

The Classics Category draws its inspiration from the black and white cycling photos of yesteryear featuring wool-jersey riders and vintage steel frames complete with down tube shifters and pedal cages. Remember the classic Bartali and Coppi duel? Neither do we, but there’s no reason we shouldn’t toast the hard men and women of cycling with a category all its own.

What is a Classic Bike?

Bikes within this category should follow these general guidelines:

• Classic bike category is limited to cycles and their parts that were manufactured before 1995. This was decided as the cut-off point because the last time the Tour de France was won on a steel bike was in 1994.
• Gear levers mounted on the down tube of the frame (exception: pre-1980 non-indexed, bar-end shifters).
• Wheels must have at least 32 spokes (yes, we’ll count) with low-profile rims made of steel, aluminum or wood. Tubular tyres and clinchers with inner tubes are allowed.
• Clipless pedals are allowed.
• Every bike ridden in the Okanagan Granfondo 2024 must be in good, safe, roadworthy condition, It is the sole responsibility of the Participant to comply with this rule.

Interested in riding a Classic for our 2024 event? All you need to do is register for the Granfondo and select ‘Classic: Bikes built before 1995’ when asked what type of bike you are riding, during the registration process. You’ll be automatically entered in. We can’t wait to see you and your classic steed on the start line next July.

Have a question about the new Classics Category? E-mail us at: info@okanagangranfondo.com.