Originally Posted by
Happy Feet
...There is ignoring new development and there is recognizing fads as fads. People of all sizes seem to have been able to tour with basic bicycle technology for a century so far without too much complaint.
If one is buying new, why not go modern? Yes, I rode the Rockies back in the 80's with friction shifters on the downtube, 6 speed freewheels, cantilever brakes and half-step triple with 120mm spacing. Now I have indexed brifters, 9 speed cassettes with 135mm rear spacing and disc brakes (135mm wheel is much stronger than a 120mm). I can tune a 1970 carb but I'd rather tune my 2008 OBDII pickup, it's better as is my new Fog Cutter compare to my 1982 Trek 520....