Originally Posted by
Wildwood
My question for all:
Is ranking bikes more a function of frame/fork characteristics or the touch components that make it fit & feel & ride perfect for one's style of riding?
edit: ...and the tire differences.
Or the drivetrain... many folks' rankings show 8/9/10/11 speed - that surely changes the overall impression, esp for a classic race type bike that may get rated on speed, or ability to hang with the A level rides.
Excellent point.
Wheels and groups can really bring a good frame out of the time-travel unintended doldrums.
My current attraction to C&V frames is the potential performance I think I can wring out of them with modern stuff.
The more I do this, the more respect I have for the craftsmen who built them, lately Rossin and Marinoni.
When I rank mine, I rank the current package based on it's
present performance as a bike vs. my others.
I know this dilutes my credibility in some C&V ways. I'm fine with that, don't deserve what I don't serve.
I ride with other riders that are 100% on modern bikes.
Cool, but no one stops them to ask about their bikes.
Every time, for years, on organized rides. Can't beat it.