Firstly, Do you guys think the terms classic and vintage are synonyms - would it not be fair to suggest that all old bicycles are vintage but not all are classic ? Surely a classic is something special; perhaps with a frame made by a revered craftsman, and fitted with the best componentry. Bicycles that are vintage but not classic are simply those mass produced(often referred to here in England as grey porridge) - these factory produced bicycles are surely commodities.
Is there a difference in perception between what you have regard for in the USA and what we regard here in England ?
Secondly apropos cut off dates: looking at some posts it's brake cables hidden under bar tape, this is very arbitrary as cables have been hidden under bar tape from at least 1981, some time triallists here in the UK were drilling handlebars to conceal a front brake cable in the 1970s.
John.
N.B here's six English builders held in the highest esteem here in the UK: Peter Cobb, Ron Cooper, Bill Hurlow, Bill Philbrook, Chas Roberts(Snr & Jnr)...only Chas Roberts Jnr still with us but now on sabbatical(shop closed).