Classic & Vintage - So what is it about Classic & Vintage bikes .....

That you like?

See if you can sum it up in one sentence, fifteen words or less.

(I'm not sure I can, but I'm working on it.)

Looks, hipster cred, cheap, self-servicable without ridiculous tools or propietary standards (somewhat), nice forum.

They are easy to work with, easy on the wallet and easy on the eyes.

C&V bikes are graceful looking with beautiful, well proportioned lines that are easy on the eyes...

Chromed fork blades gleam
My heart takes wing
With freewheel staccato song

I can now afford the bikes I loved then. (nine words sum it up for me pretty succinctly.)

I can now afford the bikes I loved then. (nine words sum it up for me pretty succinctly.)
+1

Nostalgia, quality, price and beauty.

I like to ride comfortable, old bikes.

When bikes (and men) were made of steel, not plastic!

Chromed fork blades gleam
My heart takes wing
With freewheel staccato song

Nice.

Straight guage 531 with Nervex lugs, a crusty Brooks saddle and plenty of patina.
14. That leaves me one word. I'll save it for later.

Price point and I already had the tools, though pictures will be required to make the case for Beauty.http://i853.photobucket.com/albums/ab100/dyanderson79/IMAG0517.jpg

I see some vintage bicycles as mechanical/useable art that is easy/inexpensive to collect/use.

Chromed fork blades gleam
My heart takes wing
With freewheel staccato song
Nice ! I believe that is straight out of "Shakespeare". Oh yeah, classic bikes are just good , clean , affordable fun.

They're cheap and used to be cheaper, plus I like working on them.

OK you guys. We're getting into TWO sentences here. Tighten it up.

I can now afford the bikes I loved then. (nine words sum it up for me pretty succinctly.)
Yup. (1 word)

They have soul and become a part of you.

Lugs

asthetics, ride and cost.

Speaking for more than a few on this forum;

They are cheap!

Every old bike has a story, even if it's one no one remembers anymore.

Every old bike has a story, even if it's one no one remembers anymore.

That was lovely.

They provide limitless hours of entertainment, and when you're done, can be resold for profit.

Design aesthetic, a C&V bike is like a Morgan +4, while a modern bike is like a modded up Civic.

A full sentence, eleven words:

Classic and vintage bikes are timeless, like a fine Swiss watch.

Old fart trying to recapture his youth.

Having just returned from a ride and encountering a number of small groups of riders on mod bikes, I am continually surprised that:

The guys on mod bikes cannot believe you caught them on that old "rig" (their noun).
They do almost all respect an old Colnago.
Ask how old it is, gobsmacked that it is 40.
Would consider getting a vintage bike but they fear they could no longer keep up with the group. (but I just caught you, remember?)
Cannot believe you ride with cleats and straps, and sew-ups!

Get a bit irritated when you stop for a signal light and they blow through it and you catch up to them.
(consider it interval training guys)

It's near to a lucid dream state, with the wind in your ears.

To ride a bicycle that you lovingly restored or saved from the trash heap can bring joy and sense of acheivment you cannot get with something you bought off the peg.

I love this. Some great answers. Post # 28 contravened the rules of the thread, however.
Way more than one sentence.
Evocative post, but wrong thread.

10 steel bikes for the price of 1 carbon

Beauty and imperfections and the thrill of possible danger, much like a pretty woman.

Capturing an earlier time of simpler living and simpler, more elegant aesthetics.

Old steel can have an amazing ride, with better paint jobs than modern stuff.

I love this. Some great answers. Post # 28 contravened the rules of the thread, however.
Way more than one sentence.
Evocative post, but wrong thread.

Rules are meant to be broken.

Enough technology to be fast, enough craftsmanship to be art.

Oh...evert time I ride steel I feel like a teen in the 70's again, PRICELESS.....

Symmetry of design, craftsman construction, a proud shine in the finish and components

Attention to the details that draw your eyes - just look at that, another lovely surprise :)

DD

Old fart trying to recapture his youth.
Quoted for truth :D

Earned not purchased

A mid 70's cross continent ride on my 40 year old Moto B purchased new in Oly Wa by me gives instant "Say What?" street cred, conversation, and immense personal satisfaction that I still ride it. Think I'll ride it in the STP this year as it is one smooth ride.

"Guaranteed built with Reynolds 531 butted tubes, forks, and stays."

To ride a bicycle that you lovingly restored or saved from the trash heap can bring joy and sense of acheivment you cannot get with something you bought off the peg.

For me, ^ this. Exactly this. Well said.

Memorable !

They were young when we were, but they're still cool and good-looking. :(

They're simple, elegant machines which can take you quite nicely from there to here.

^ 30 words exactly - good show, Scott ;)

Works for me, though!

DD

Hee. yeah, I forgot my own rules! Dang. OK, back to the drawing board.

...fixed it. ;)

Beneath the rust, grime, and scratches...beauty, speed, and time gone by, very therapeutic.