I just spent a lot of time thinking about this topic. Let's say I spent about four hours a day considering the situation and did so for the past month, or more. Honestly. And this is what I came up with...

How Old Is My Bicycle?

For me, the cut-off date is chronological - 25 years. That is my opinion and you might want to know why. Part of the answer is in the article I just published and it is there for all to view, criticize and/or offer suggestions for improvement. Back to 25 years...

I choose the time frame simply because the technology thing spans years and decades.

A few of my Velo brothers or sisters have mentioned indexed shifting as the logical cut off date and for what appears to be good reason. However...

Indexed shifting is not eighties technology, in my opinion. My mid seventies Raleigh Tourist had indexed shifting, and so did my 1973 Raleigh Superb and and other internally geared three or four speed bicycles of the fifties, sixties and seventies.

Remember, all, we are talking about bicycles - all bicycles, not just road bicycles. Please don't think I am preaching even though that last comment might make it seem so. I am just suggesting looking at the complete forest, not just the trees of greatest personal interest. More preaching. Perhaps I should change jobs. Sorry:-(

Anyway, I will not belabor my point. I see wisdom is assigning vintage qualification, based on the age, not the technological presentation. When two or more people are comparing anything, it is always good to have something (agreed on) to compare to. Again, an opinion.

So, there you have it, in my opinion. But I am willing to change just about anything I think, depending on the argument presented or the size of the guy presenting it.