Classic & Vintage - Plastic Spoke Protectors & Vinyl Seats?

When were chromed steel spoke protectors and leather saddles replaced with plastic and padded, vinyl covered? I see many bikes supposedly from the early 1970's on EBay and Craigslist that have the new "improved" features. I assume they did not see widespread use until the 1980's?

I don't recall whether I saw plastic spoke protectors in the 70's, but as I recall vinyl seats were common on inexpensive bikes in the early 70's... The only kind I owned. :)

My low-end Atalia came with a plastic spoke protector and saddle circa 1973.
The '77/78 (not quite sure which) Raleigh Super Grand Prix out in the barn came with a chrome spoke protector and leather saddle.
Could be an indicator of bike quality as much as anything else.
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I have a mid range Atala from early 70's, with chrome spoke protector. I also suspect that lower-end bikes adopted them first.

My early 70's Peugeot came with clear plastic spoke protector. The seat was leather.

Beware of cheap leather saddles from the Bike Booms too - not all leather saddles are created equal. There were tons of garbage leather saddles produced during this time too.

-Kurt

My 1971/72 Italvega came with a clear plastic spoke protector. Are they still available?

My Raleigh has an Ideale #42. Not orginal, but not too shabby, either.
Factory spec is for "Suede Top on Nylon Base", whatever that means. I'm just glad the previous owner upgraded.
The clear plastic spoke protectors are still available from Shimano. I think nashbar stocks them.
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My Raleigh has an Ideale #42. Not orginal, but not too shabby, either.
Factory spec is for "Suede Top on Nylon Base", whatever that means. I'm just glad the previous owner upgraded.
The clear plastic spoke protectors are still available from Shimano. I think nashbar stocks them.
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Forget the plastic.

It don't mean a thing if ain't got that bling. ;)

http://mysite.verizon.net/vze3j6z2/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/S5.jpg

Forget the plastic.

It don't me a think if ain't got that bling. ;)



You said it!
Chrome, Chrome, Chrome!

http://www.jaysmarine.com/TH_main2.jpg

-Kurt

My 1971/72 Italvega came with a clear plastic spoke protector. Are they still available?

Yes... I have a wide selection hanging on a nail in my garage.

My beloved '73 Schwinn Suburban has a chrome pieplate and a rubber saddle, but the saddle is an aftermarket. It came to me with a gigantic Messinger tractor-seat on it, which I traded to a friend for a more normal looking seat, also Mesinger, but not with the springs and the wideness and the annoying creaky noises.

My '77 Motobecane Grand Touring came with a plastic spoke protector and a suede saddle.

You said it!
Chrome, Chrome, Chrome!
-Kurt

Geezzz, do crows follow you when you ride?
:)
My SGP is rather modest with the chrome, just the lower fork amd headset...and the spoke protector, of course.
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