Originally Posted by
styggno1
I wrote earlier in this thread that my interest mainly is within the 60ies to late 80ies high end racing bikes. I am in that generation. I do however find myself more and more drifting into the 90ies. I have tried to analyze why this has happened. I guess my original thought was that they were good users as in saving my more vintage bikes from rain and mud but still being built in steel. I have no interest in alu or carbon frames. I like things that can last forever if being maintained properly.
Over time I have found myself more and more often actually seeking them up these 90ies steel frames. The last hooray of steel in the pro peloton. And not looking for the older stuff any longer (I do have a sh-t load of them already and that might also be a reason).
I have noticed that the competition for these 90ies bikes has become fiercer. In the beginning of my drift I could get a Merckx MXL for peanuts and MAX bikes of other makes were not very expensive either.
Today when I search the net for these the picture is different. Prices are going up rapidly. But I am still there looking and occasionally buying. Does this mean I will not use them in bad weather because they are suddenly becoming collector material? I have not reached that point yet and I hope I never will.
We have similar preferences...
My favorite bikes to ride are the crazy 90s steel bikes. The MXL, EL OS, etc. I think they really got the feel and stiffness perfected.
As far as Sunday bikes/collector pieces, I really dig the 60s and early 70s stuff. It had personality. I love the ride/versatility of that period's Italians.
Most of the 80s is a bit too cookie cutter and/or stupid obnoxious paint for me. The 80s are somewhat of a transitional period, and, while certainly important, it has some of the worst of both worlds. It still depends on the bike of course.