Originally Posted by AZORCH

I'll leave the 70's bike "ride quality" response to one of the many owners here on BF (Kurt? This is your cue, here.) That era bicycle pops up on the iBOB for sale list with some degree of regularity so you can do some price comparisons there. I have owned and ridden several exceptional frames over the years. Near the top of the list are three bikes that I currently own: a Freschi Supreme, my Waterford built Boulder, and my Waterford built Paramount. Ride "quality" is a terribly subjective thing, so let me try to define why I put them in my "top" category: each fits me nearly perfectly, the construction and design is simply stunning, they are stable and absorb the road (but tires have much to do with this too), the steering is intuitive, I'm comfortable riding for long hours at a time. But notice that it is all about "I" ... no matter the bike, it has to be a great fit for the rider in many ways beyond just saddle height and reach. Case in point: A long time ago I owned a Centurion Turbo and when another one fell into my lap a couple years back I was just delighted. It was in my size and in great condition. But try as I might, no amount of adjustment could make it a good, ridable fit for me... guess I changed over the years. So that great frame is now in the hands of another BFer, who I hope is enjoying the crap out of it. The point is this: We love great quality frames here when we get 'em; we love the legendary bikes and great design decisions. But it's all a little meaningless if we wind up with a wall hanger. So check out iBOB for pricing, then go find some bikes and try them out for ride. If there are BFers close to your location, you might find someone with a bike in your size who'd be willing to let you ride it so you can see what the hype is all about.