What Qualifies as "Classic?"
09-14-11 | 10:54 AM
#26
Decrepit Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 10,488
Likes: 92
From: Santa Rosa, California
Bikes: Waterford 953 RS-22, several Paramounts
This is obviously going to be very subjective...but here's my take.
Classic isn't a function of age, though age can be a contributing factor. Bikes that are classic are the bikes that we drool over and likely can't afford when new. They're the best of the best. They began a style or were representative of that style. Classic bikes are the ones that we'd have bought if money wasn't an object and we purchased only based on our emotions. Classic bikes are often the ones that defined a period of cycling...for instance, Armstrong on his Madone is an iconic image. Classic bikes are the ones kids will want when they get middle aged and become collectors.
Classics are timeless, beautiful and cross cycling niches in their appeal. They have something that differentiates them from the other bikes on the market. They are the best in class.
Classic isn't a function of age, though age can be a contributing factor. Bikes that are classic are the bikes that we drool over and likely can't afford when new. They're the best of the best. They began a style or were representative of that style. Classic bikes are the ones that we'd have bought if money wasn't an object and we purchased only based on our emotions. Classic bikes are often the ones that defined a period of cycling...for instance, Armstrong on his Madone is an iconic image. Classic bikes are the ones kids will want when they get middle aged and become collectors.
Classics are timeless, beautiful and cross cycling niches in their appeal. They have something that differentiates them from the other bikes on the market. They are the best in class.
Classic is related to style and design.
Vintage is related to age.
It is possible to have a vintage bike that isn't classic, think 70's Free Spirit:
It is possible to have a classic bike that isn't vintage, think 2011 Cinelli SuperCorsa (thought I'd build it with much different components, think the frameset):
/thread
Vintage is related to age.
It is possible to have a vintage bike that isn't classic, think 70's Free Spirit:
It is possible to have a classic bike that isn't vintage, think 2011 Cinelli SuperCorsa (thought I'd build it with much different components, think the frameset):
/thread
Last edited by Scooper; 09-14-11 at 11:46 AM. Reason: typo
09-14-11 | 11:06 AM
#27
Fat Guy on a Little Bike
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 15,946
Likes: 371
From: Philadelphia, PA
Bikes: Two wheeled ones
What makes Scooper's 953 classic to me is the desireability of the tubing, the way he built it...the aesthetic choices are all spot on, the builder and the style. It's the next evolutionary step from one of Kurt's chrome Paramounts. It also satisfies my "best of the best" requirement and the "I'd do it if I could afford it" requirement.
