That was a bit optimistic on my part but when I take a spin down to Stanley Park here in Vancouver, even on a busy weekend the chances of seeing another higher end vintage bike from before the pre boom years of the early '70's is pretty well nil- as in mid '60's or older. Then again whatever is out there is probably on the road, not sharing a usually crowded bike path. But for me I get to take it easy and simply enjoy the scenery and that at least, whatever they are on, others are out cycling too.


I just love taking out my colorful P.Peschi among all of the hybrids, mountain bikes ( old and new ) and carbon/aluminum road bikes. I ride it because I have a thing for uncommon French road bikes and interestingly enough do tend to get a good number of compliments, certainly other cyclists realize it is something rather old. There are exceptions what with a few good quality modern companies selling bikes with colorful paint jobs ( and again, not common given they tend to be more expensive ) but overall there are simply too many bland ones - so it is good to add some flash to the mix. Just something about ornate or fancy lugs, cloth tape, full frame pumps,toe straps, down tube shifters and leather saddles ( among other things - like no black parts ).


Nothing most of us do not already know of course that own vintage bikes. Every once in awhile I need to remind myself about carrying on the tradition, even if it may no longer be quite as practical, like daytime riding only with no lights and perhaps not being able to stop quite as fast, although amazingly the Peschi as set up with Mafac levers and Weinmann center pulls is quite good actually, amazingly so in fact.



Any similar observations by others here?