Originally Posted by
MKahrl
I am astounded at how many 70's and 80's era bikes are still on the road. They are easy to spot from a distance with their narrow handlebars and auxiliary (safety) levers. They're everywhere on the bike paths being ridden by all ages and being used as commuters on the streets of Columbus. The bike corral at OSU games holds hundreds of bikes of every description and every age.
I sometimes forget that there is a huge population of cyclists out there that are riding around on old bikes going to classes, getting to work, enjoying a bike path down by the river; who have no desire to participate in the local bike clubs weekly hammerfest. Their needs are being met with current 27" offerings and don't see any need for tires that cost $130 a set.
The Venn diagram of People Who Ride Old Bikes Set and People Who Spend Lots of Money on Bike Parts Set probably has a very narrow overlap.
I think the same things as well- for me, I usually spot the non-aero cables sticking up in the air.
There are times that I'll be out riding- we have a wonderful rural rail trail- although I see plenty of modern fancy pants carbon and aluminum bikes- there are times that I see nothing but people on old bikes.