Originally Posted by
nlerner
While on a ride today, I got to thinking: Various recent threads and my general cranky nature made me ponder questions that often get asked on this forum that really shouldn't be. What I mean by that is, if you really think you want to have a C&V bike or participate in discussion of C&V bikes, there are just some questions that shouldn't be asked. For example:
--Are modern CF or Alu bikes faster than steel C&V bikes?
--Are modern CF or Alu bikes lighter than steel C&V bikes?
--Should I ask my wife/husband/girlfriend/boyfriend/significant other before I buy this bike?
--Will steel bikes wear out?
--Should I sell my father's/mother's/grandfather's/grandmother's old bike?
What am I missing?
OK - in order -- I will address
1) Yes- in certain instances --- for a lot of everyday riding around - not really
2) - Yes - most definitely -- except for outlier circumstances -- as in, A full gas Serotta with tubulars and downtube shifters may still be lighter than a $600 sport oriented aluminum bike --- but in general, the new stuff is pretty light
3) -- No -- (but again-depends on personal financial circumstances a bit -- if your on a college student budget, might wanna work it in with the misses before you are late on another necessary bill
4) given reasonable care, a steel bike will not wear out - the components will
5) Depends -- my impulse is to say no -- but if it wasn't an important part of their life, why would it be an important part of yours?
If it was a treasured machine that resulted in a lot of miles and memories for your relative -- then maybe keep it running and do an occasional ride with it to celebrate their memory
----- If it was just a bike that your relative bought after being inspired by a LEmond or Armstrong TDF win - then rode twice and used it as a coat rack from then on --- then call me, I might could use the parts
