While on a ride today, I got to thinking: Various recent threads and my general cranky nature made me ponder questions that often get asked on this forum that really shouldn't be. What I mean by that is, if you really think you want to have a C&V bike or participate in discussion of C&V bikes, there are just some questions that shouldn't be asked. For example:

--Are modern CF or Alu bikes faster than steel C&V bikes?
--Are modern CF or Alu bikes lighter than steel C&V bikes?
--Should I ask my wife/husband/girlfriend/boyfriend/significant other before I buy this bike?
--Will steel bikes wear out?
--Should I sell my father's/mother's/grandfather's/grandmother's old bike?

What am I missing?

Is this too nice to ride? (The odds are astronomically low)
Is this bike worth $100 <poster knows answer already>?
How'd I do on this purchase? <poster knows answer>
Does anyone else not like ____, or think ______ is "overrated"?
What's the best bike ever?

Is steel real?
Which bike is better? (the blue one is always best)
Which groupset should I use?
What pressure are you running?
Are fat tires faster than skinny tires?
How should I remove this rust?
Will I get my money out of this?

I have one...though not really a question.

Found my Grail! <production 80s bike>

One of the worst...

Where should I look for vintage bikes/how should I sell this bike?

The decal says Reynolds, so isn't it aluminum?
If the company is out of business, doesn't that make my bike rare and collectible?

Why is my meticulously restored Period-Correct C&V racing bike geared too hard for me to ride?
<It always was back when you were young and not fit enough, it still is when you are far less fit and much heavier now and will get only more so with time.>

-Bandera

Why are people asking all this questions?

This is an open forum, I feel like anyone could ask anything. Don't really understand why it would bother anyone.

What's the best chain lube?

(Pay no heed to nlerner, Pawlus. He's just a cranky old bastid...as he freely admitted)

...which makes toovus

Tree

Are old bikes or new bikes better. It's obvious, new bikes look like girl bikes. Lol.

Well, I didn't actually mean naive or newbie questions--everyone has a learning curve, some steeper than others. I meant questions that are completely contrary to the whole idea of owning and riding a classic and vintage bicycle. For instance, I just don't understand the need to compare C&V to new production with new technologies. That just misses the point entirely.

And now, a regularly scheduled announcement.

https://video.search.yahoo.com/yhs/s...32&action=view

What is "the point?" I keep my C&V bikes because they all offer their own unique feel, I find them fun to ride, and I like how they look. Those points seem plenty good to me, and comparing my Miyata 710 to my Emonda ALR and observing that I can climb slightly faster on the latter hardly invalidates what I enjoy about the former. If anything, I feel like comparing my bikes makes them all more interesting, modern and vintage alike.

Is this a good deal?

Bicycle Water Bottle Bidon Made by Specialized 2000 Classic Bike MTB Road Tour | eBay

At least the shipping is free.

I never understand how ebay stores like that can have a power seller status.

On topic, basing this on myself, there are some enthusiasts who know a bit, enough to do our own research, but sometimes are genuinely stumped on something that may seem mundane to a lot of posters here.

but the best are the few over the years that read like this.
"Hello, I have my uncles blue bike with wheels and am wondering what it could be worth"
With no picture and poor spelling.

You're thinking about this too hard.

OK - in order -- I will address

1) Yes- in certain instances --- for a lot of everyday riding around - not really

2) - Yes - most definitely -- except for outlier circumstances -- as in, A full gas Serotta with tubulars and downtube shifters may still be lighter than a $600 sport oriented aluminum bike --- but in general, the new stuff is pretty light

3) -- No -- (but again-depends on personal financial circumstances a bit -- if your on a college student budget, might wanna work it in with the misses before you are late on another necessary bill

4) given reasonable care, a steel bike will not wear out - the components will

5) Depends -- my impulse is to say no -- but if it wasn't an important part of their life, why would it be an important part of yours?
If it was a treasured machine that resulted in a lot of miles and memories for your relative -- then maybe keep it running and do an occasional ride with it to celebrate their memory
----- If it was just a bike that your relative bought after being inspired by a LEmond or Armstrong TDF win - then rode twice and used it as a coat rack from then on --- then call me, I might could use the parts

Get off of [MENTION=45088]nlerner[/MENTION]'s lawn!

Do you smoke weed before, during or after your bike ride?

Yes.

After seeing some of the responses to this thread, I've paved over my lawn and rented out the space to local Hare Krishnas.

I love the ones with a box store bike and they want to know how to improve it or make it faster..... why, I was that guy, lol

Damn hippies.

Why is the internet?

Are *****, *****, ***** threads worth the bandwidth?