Vintage in my opinion can be defined differently for different people. It’s likely related to the age of a person relative to the age of an item.

As an example; I’m in my mid fifties. I have two Cannondale road bikes that are 2001 and 2004. Those years seem like just a little while ago. I was well into adulthood then. Neither one has “patina” that would show the passage of time. I haven’t felt like they’d fit in this forum, so I haven’t posted about them.

On the other hand, I’ve got a pair of 1988 Black Lightnings. I wasn’t old enough to drink (legally) when they were new. It was an extremely profound moment in time in my life. They’re equipped with components no longer found on newer bikes; Suntour derailleurs, Dia Compe brakes and downtube shifters. I did post a picture in black bike month. But even with the Handmade in USA frame I haven’t felt comfortable posting much about them in the C&V forum. Do I think they’re vintage? Absolutely.

What I’ve seen posted here on C&V as far as bikes like Peugeot, Colnago, Mercier, Motobecane, etc. seems to me like a different vibe than my older Cannondale’s.

Basically it’s the individuals own perspective.