I bought my '71 Grandis (definitely high end) from the OO who bought it new in '74. I checked in with him by email last fall to let him know how much I was enjoying his old bike. He mentioned in his reply he was struggling with prostate cancer. I'm a bit afraid to check in with him again.
I try not to think of it when I'm riding them, but I have three other very nice (but mid-grade) bikes that I acquired from the immediate heirs of the OOs.
So yes, I think they're a dying breed. As are we all.
I'm with Ben, ride fast while you can.
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● 1971 Grandis SL ● 1972 Lambert Grand Prix frankenbike ● 1972 Raleigh Super Course fixie ● 1973 Nishiki Semi-Pro ● 1979 Motobecane Grand Jubile ●1980 Apollo "Legnano" ● 1984 Peugeot Vagabond ● 1985 Shogun Prairie Breaker ● 1986 Merckx Super Corsa ● 1987 Schwinn Tempo ● 1988 Schwinn Voyageur ● 1989 Bottechia Team ADR replica ● 1990 Cannondale ST600 ● 1993 Technium RT600 ● 1996 Kona Lava Dome ●