Originally Posted by
Fahrenheit531
So this, plus the deafening silence from the rest of the crowd, says "Not Hot." But since it isn't not hot enough to get the real Not Hot treatment like some others, I wonder -- can an aging Zertz-equipped bike become hot again? ...or is it now a middle-aged showgirl, passable but forever consigned to the background?
I can envision carbon stem, modern rims, probably black tape because there's just too much white right now. The chainring is ugly AF for sure. Curious what others see.
IMO, it's in that in-between era where it's not really "classic/vintage", and it's not up to date with modern design. I expect that the bike rides very nicely, and performs every bit as well as it always has. Being that this thread is a beauty contest, "middle aged showgirl" is probably an apt analogy. Updating parts won't change the exposed cable routing and era-trend graphics, but would help get the most out of what you're working with. Personally, I think the white saddle and bar tape work well on that bike. If it were mine, I would trim the steerer so the top cap sits flush on the stem (if you're still trying to dial in your fit, don't do this).
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RIP 01/08/25...2022 Trek Supercaliber, 2018 Storck Fascenario.3 Platinum, 2018 Trek Procaliber SL Singlespeed, 2017 Bear BR1, 2003 Time VX Special Pro, 2001 Colnago VIP, 1999 Trek 9900 singlespeed, 1977 Nishiki ONP