Originally Posted by
jimmuller
So when someone writes about Giant or Trek or Specialized and then gives a model designation such as TK1500 or XR228 or OF22T or 221B Baker St, I have no idea what he or she is saying. They all look alike to me. And they sure don't look like the bikes I've been riding for nearly four decades.
I've been riding longer than that, and I still have steel bikes too. But I disagree with you about the differences. If anything, I'm surprised and impressed by how little bike design has changed over the years. Road and touring bikes are still based on the classic diamond, two triangle shape. The materials have changed, and that allows some innovations like oversized tubing, and the new frames are both lighter and stiffer than the old ones. But essentially they aren't much changed, it's a testimonial to the beauty of the original design.
Used to have a Carlton as a kid.