Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 12,286
Likes: 317
From: Lake Geneva, WI
Bikes: Ridley Helium SLX, Canyon Endurance SL, De Rosa Professional, Eddy Merckx Corsa Extra, Schwinn Paramount (1 painted, 1 chrome), Peugeot PX10, Serotta Nova X, Simoncini Cyclocross Special, Raleigh Roker, Pedal Force CG2 and CX2
While I enjoy modern bikes as much as older bikes, the two are distinct in my mind. Classic-Vintage bikes are distinct in having horizontal top-tubes, 1inch threaded steerers with quill stems and a square taper or earlier bottom brackets. Modern bikes have compact frames, theadless steerers, and modern cranks with integral spindles.
The late eighties and early nineties bikes can be the best of the Classic-Vintage models with seven or eight cogs, great steel tubesets and a wide range of shifters. L'Eroica rules are too strict and are not fully enforced in Chianti or England. Plenty of important bikes were built after 1987.
Cycling seems to be reembracing some of the features of Classic-Vintage models. Some builders are offering steel frames that accept 700x28 tires among other features that seem to have disappear for a while.
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When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
Last edited by Barrettscv; 08-24-14 at 06:37 PM.
Reason: horizontal top-tube (not vertical) :-p