While I was stopped at a red light during this afternoon's commute home, a right-turning motorist pulled up on my right and called out the window, "That's a nice classic." I was riding my patriotic red-white-and-blue Schwinn mountain bike (see signature), as I generally do on or around national holidays. I didn't have time to tell him "it's not a classic -- it's the newest bike in my stable."

According to the F8xxx serial number, which resurrects Schwinn's early 1960s date code system, the frame will turn 22 years old next month.

When I see a classic bike being ridden at the Monday night club ride, I try to strike up a conversation with the owner. They always seem to like it.

And, you never know, it may turn into a lead one day.

The trick, when you see a really nice classic bike, is to somehow dislodge the rider and get it into your trunk before witnesses and/or law enforcement take note.

That's always my first thought. Then I sigh and say "nice bike.."

i say "nice bike" to anyone riding any old bike, even pos. i just let them know its cool not to have the latest n greatest or a new bargain bike.

I had a customer bragging to me the other day about his 2008 Trek Madone. While he was talking and I was nodding along, I was thinking, "you know I sell these all day long, right?" I also think it's funny that no one in the shop- except the owner- rides either of our two best selling carbon models. It's not because they can't afford them either.

Ran into a guy today at the bike rack unlocking his '84 Nishiki. He was 20-something (quite a bit younger than me) and I said "Nice bike!" as I was unlocking my same-ish vintage Schwinn Sierra. He said "Thanks! I love this thing! Nothing rides like steel... I got a great price on it, only $200.00. I then told him that I had a same-ish vintage Univega Viva Sport. I didn't have the heart to tell him I got it for $20 at a thrift store.

It really is fun to ride/love vintage bikes.

I think the question on all this, if we could use a time machine and put ourselves in the year 2043, would we we discussing 35 year old plastic Madones, or 70 year old steel Schwinns, Bianchis and Raleighs? Wonder if I will be part of that discussion (I'll only be 82 ).

I have a rather weathered looking gentleman in my town that rides around on a very nice green Super Course with rack and a milk crate. Handle bars turned upward, tattered cloth tape. One day I said "Nice bike!"

His response? "F*** you!!"

Oh well, he must of thought I was being sarcastic.

Scott

A couple years ago I was riding my little folding bike through Central Park on my way home from work and I passed two older gentlemen (around 60 I guess) riding side by side. The one closer to me was on a minty Raleigh International, the one with the Capella lugs, and I said "Wow, that's a beautiful bike!" The other gent, on a Jamis of some kind, pretended to get out of shape over his bike not being complimented. I made up some obviously phony compliment for his bike; not trying to insult it or anything, but making no secret of my ignorance in matters Jamis. He reciprocated by offering very kind (but poorly informed) remarks about my folding bike. We all laughed, and I sped off on my way.

Every time I've ridden my Norman Rapide, someone has complimented it... it's a nice feeling.

DUI bars, not riding by choice

It's a bit of a stretch to say that everyone riding with their bars in that position is not riding by choice ..

Scott

Sounds like he doesn't care much for it. Next time, sidle up to him on a clean hybrid and say "want to trade bikes?"

On the other hand, maybe he's just a wacko.

Signature does not link to anything. Posting a photo takes 5 seconds.

Funny story, but also sounds like you missed an opportunity to make an offer.

Nah, I've already got a green Super Course ..

Scott

At least once a week I ride my '62 Schwinn Jaguar IV (See my Avatar) I have gotten nice compliments on it but NOT by other bike riders. (Except when it was at my LBS for repairs) Mostly it's just nostalgia for the goog ol' days. I don't think too many bike riders envy me the 1 speed gear and the Bendix coaster brake.