Originally Posted by habilis

Some of us can remember the bicycling "drought" of the 1950's and 60's, when virtually no one past the age of 17 rode a bike. You got your driver's license and turned your back on bicycling forever. Even the advent of the "English racer" - a 28 lb., solid steel misnomer - couldn't lure most adults back into cycling.

Then came the 10-speed boom of the late 60's and 70's, when millions bought bikes that were geared for world-class professional racers rather than normal people. Most of those millions eventually dropped out of the sport, turned off because their bike wasn't the joy that manufacturers had promised.

We now live in what could be considered a new "Golden Age" of cycling (the first Golden Age was the 1880's and 90's). Well-designed and well-built bikes are available at reasonable prices, with features that once were found only on top-of-the line equipment.

Fashions change. The majority will often be misinformed and prejudiced (for one reason or another) against something they haven't really tried and don't fully understand.

Ride your own road and enjoy it.

Originally Posted by Jim from Boston

...Back in the 60’s in the Motor City, I had an “English Racer,’ and longed to tour at about age 14, but then joined the car culture. In Ann Arbor MI in the 70’s I really realized the utility of bicycles for commuting, and began touring on a five-speed Schwinn Suburban, but soon bought a Mercier as did my girlfriend, later my wife. We toured...