Originally Posted by
hokiefyd
Based on the graphics and the head tube badge, I have a strong suspicion that this bike is no older than 1970.
I misspoke there. I meant to say that I have a strong suspicion that this bike is no
newer than 1970.
Originally Posted by
juvela
in the end a date discussion can be moot in the sense that the cycle is what it is regardless of any date ascribed to it by people.
I do agree; where the bike is
today is more important than how old it might be, to the month, year, or even decade. I'm a bit of a history nerd, though, and I like to think about the provenance and background of something.
Originally Posted by
juvela
a 1970-71 date places the bike at the beginning of "the boom" where parts shortages and backordering quickly became the norm.
Like that. Knowing a year helps me put the item in context in history, and helps me explain (if only to myself) why certain things are they way they are on it (parts, graphics, etc). In some cases, though, it should be satisfactory to simply know
about how old something is.
Now the real work is ahead of me -- cleaning it up. Polishing brakes and crank arms and chain rings and bottom bracket cups. Let the fun begin!