Originally Posted by
cb400bill
I, for one, wouldn't want that.
I have only been here a couple of years, but have learned so much from so many of you. Yes, participation ebbs and flows for many on here. As many other members here, I have belonged to other forums, and my participation there changed as my interests have changed.
And, I have seen the gradual shift to lower end bikes being discussed more often, too.
I think part of the reason for that shift is the creeping up of prices for all vintage bikes. So, the best ones become too expensive for many of us. I have seached the archives for info about various bikes and there are many posts from years ago where someone asked about a PX-10 or such in great condition and was told that $200 was way too much to pay for one. Now those same bikes sell for double or triple that amount.
I see that as a sign that more people are being attracted to the hobby. One has to start somewhere, and I think most people start quite modestly. True, some are content to remain with bargain bikes, but some don't. For me, it has been an evolutionary process, and until I purchased a new LHT last year, I never had spent more than $200.00 on a bike or frame. It can be an interesting journey of mixed fortunes and unexpected opportunities. What I think matters most, is that people are able to enjoy the ride.