Where can I learn everything about vintage bicycles?

Answer 1

By that question, I'll assume that you want (one of these):

1) Know what a vintage bicycle is like
retroraleighs.com
And then find and purchase a 3-speed for a hands-on experience that simply cannot be compared to anything else.
Or, with a bit of cash, a brand new vintage bike www.antbikemike.com However, do be sure and request the lovely 8-speed gearhub that will allow the bike to be more useful without affecting its vintage character.

2) Repair your own vintage bike or get parts
harriscyclery.com
Where they have the parts and scads of documents to help with anything on vintage bikes.

3) Resale values of vintage bikes
And that, I know nothing about.
However, the "real" resale value of anything will be found out at E-bay.
For the "hoarders" and I mean collectors, there is a different standard. I am sure that harriscyclery.com will contain links to the various types of vintage bike collection clubs where they will all be sure to overstate the actual value of their own favorite type of vintage bike.
In real life, E-bay contains the dollar amounts you can expect from vintage bikes.
You can also type the brand and model right into a search engine and it will most likely return with a sale advertisment of that brand and model, along with lots of documents.
Generally speaking, foreign bikes, unusual looking bikes, stylish bikes, beautiful bikes, and bikes that make a definitive statement about their time period are more valueable than ordinary looking bikes--or at least the market is more responsive.

In any case, I think that the value of a vintage bike is a fantastic, care free, view on a sunny day.

4) The old term:
velocipede

Enjoy it!!

P.S. For modern examples of vintage bikes, see Rivendell, Gazelle "Lite", Dutch Bike, Breezer, Electra Townie Eight, Schwinn Cruiser (now available in alloy), Specialized Roubaix (feels like vintage--except incredibly fast), Diamondback Edgewood (Americanized Dutch Bike), Schwinn Super Sport (Americanized tour bike), San Jos8 (Foriegn tour bike), Bianchi Milano (Blue? Green? Bianchi.), Lemond Steel, and Alternate Needs Transportation (create any vintage bike for you in just your size).

The largest differences between vintage bikes and today's bikes are these 2 things:

Internally geared transmission, also called gearhub, is now available in high performance varieties from 8 to 14 speeds without losing its maintenance free character, super-strong wheel support, ability to shift while stopped and very sportive attitude that reacts instantly to the rider's needs, every time, no matter what.
This was once considered by the majority of cyclists to be a required part of the joy of cycling.
The 14 speed model, hand built by Rohloff for mountain bike sports is known for its ability to withstand more "sportive" treatment than any derailleur system, while the traditional extra-braced wheel also lends such an advantage (in combination) that it is usual to see a Rohloff in the lead at any seriously technical mountain bike event.
See also Sturmey Archer, Shimano Nexus 8, SRAM I-Motion 9, and, of course, Rohloff

North Road "Albatross" handlebars, which are installed "upwards" on commuter bikes and "dropped" or downwards on club racers. They are still see on club racers today because of their unique ability to provide comfort on the backswept portion and areodynamics on the very front. They are also "grandfathered in" for racing regulations and rarely, today's "wind tunnel" variety at just 19" wide (11" front grip), from Nitto, is seen far up and out forwards on races where time trial bars are not allowed. Either up or down, commuting or racing, these have been in production longer than any other handlebar because of their comfort (facilitates stamina) and performance (leverage and/or wind resistant) charactistics.
This is the other bike part that was once considered a required part of the joy of cycling.
Now it is merely an upgrade option for 2 usual uses:
Speed up a mountain bike with the areodynamic "club racer" (upside down and wrapped with drop bar tape, while controls across the front look like a moustache) application, and
Cyclists of all types are switching back to these (installed every concievable direction) whenever they need to stop aches and pains or gain greater distance.
So, I guess they still work just fine.

Can I get a "vintage feel" from a hybrid or mountain bike?
Yes, if either has the narrow XC or road-ish wheels.
Upgrading with just the handlebars and gearhub will drop the maintainence, drop the discomfort and trade them for pleasure--and recently, hot performance.

Don't miss this!
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/harris/bianchi05/611.html
http://www.bianchiusa.com/611.html

Answer 2

Read the Noblest Invention. It has some history about the bicycle.

Answer 3

www.rusty-spokes.com
www.nostalgic.net
www.rustyspokes.com
www.bicycleclassics.com