Originally Posted by
Monkey Face
I thought I'd challenge the notion that 'classic' has to be steel and has to be older than, say 1990's. Seems only a few share that view (wrong forum maybe?). I don't really see the prejudice against modern materials as long as the bike has a certain 'mojo'.
For instance, I regret selling my brushed alloy Cannondale CAAD8 - I think that will turn out to be a classic... one of the last made in USA Cannondales, TdF bike, stiff but comfy frame and a fairly traditional geometry. Will take Crud racing style mudguards. (Sold to purchase a 'precious' Tommasini... I guess no complaints about that one!)
Maybe the Cannondale answers my own question.
It's just my opinion and not prejudice against material. Bikes can't really be defined as classics 10 years after they've been made, can they? We all think we're futurists and speculate that our favourite rides will be classics. I don't want a Surly Cross Check but it may become a classic.
Merlin, Chance, Litespeed, C-dale, Klein, Rocky Mtn, Specialized, Serottas, Ritchey, Brodie, Kona and many, many others have all been around for at least 20 years and all are accepted as (North American) classics and many aren't steel....I'd like one of each.
I've sold 2 C-dales and regret losing both has well.