If you need to communicate how to easily pick out winners for the untrained, here is my 2 cents....

* A worthy bike will be light compared to others-- For example, the weight difference between a Guercotti and a Sears Free Spirit will be very noticeable.

* All decent bikes from the 80's and beyond will have aluminum rims. Many of the earlier bikes will also have alu if the owner has upgraded wheels.

* Cranks. Show pictures what good chainrings and cranks look like. You know super/nuovo record campy stuff. Chainrings should be held by crankbolts, not rivets.