Originally Posted by
Atlas Shrugged
I understand the enjoyment of collecting, maintaining, and riding old bikes, and how that becomes a hobby all its own, much like people who do the same with vintage cars, motorcycles, etc. However, what is unique about these forums is the belief of a vocal few that there is some equivalence in overall performance, or that, from a delusional few, old bikes are superior. If there were any validity to this, you would see demand for these old bikes from individuals other than collectors of the same demographics as the bikes.
Not equivalence... just not as big of a gap as the cycling marketing may lead one to believe. Especially at non race speeds.
Old bikes superior? in terms of pure performance - no. In terms of overall comfort, durability, ease of repair for the normal guy - maybe.
Personally - I understand that the modern full on aero race bike is a bit faster for the normal guy. A decent bit faster at race speed with a very fit/limber rider that can put themselves into an aero race position. Bit is an aero bike comfortable? Does the average Joe* have the ability to actually ride in the position an aero bike puts you in? Can they maintain said position?
Average Joe*
-This is the crowd that gets lost in videos like the OP posted. The average Joe, especially ones around where I live, are not 350+w ex pro's that can get aero and extract that 6% from the pure race bike. And often, they are riding the pure race bike because they think they will get the speed savings.
I'll offer myself up as an average Joe - I'm a bit faster than the typical A/B/C/D group at our local rides, a bit slower than the unlimited (for lack of better words) group that goes out and bombs 24-25+. The latter group is a few people, the former groups are a whole lot more people.
-My Lemond, with 50mm deep CF wheels and 28mm GP5000's. Low front end, gets me as low as I can muster. - Ride is smooth as butter
vs
-A full on aero bike from any big brand - aero bikes are known to be fairly stiff and unforgiving.
At my avg Joe 200w long ride ability - what will be the real savings? Not 6%. 2%? 1%? In a group ride - maybe almost no %.
Does the added complexity of the bike (hidden cables/harder to work on, software updates for shifting, batteries, proprietary parts), stiffer ride/more aggressive position... do the marginal gains really make it superior for the average Joe?
In terms of cars - on the road/touring event, driven by non race car drivers. A McClaren P1 is going to be superior to say a M3 BMW. Superior in every sense of the word - but on the road, normal conditions - the M3 is going to be way more comfortable, road friendly, probably more reliable, easier to deal with - just not as "cool" to own. And that is what it really boils down to - is it "cool".