Gotten a couple of casual remarks from other riders recently. This morning someone said "Nice classic". A few weeks back someone said "Nice old school Bianchi.". A couple of other similar comments.

It's a 2000 Veloce, inlcuding integrated shifters. That's classic?! Perhaps that's just what anything steel is perceived as these days, especially if it's topped with a Brooks...



At this point in history, I generally don't consider anything vintage or classic if it's new enough to have integrated shifters. So, I'm curious: what's the general perception of what vintage/classic is?

It is a classic its just not old...

It's dangerously under-branded by today's standards.

Not enough Bianchi labels slathered across the frame? I guess they overlooked the chainstays.

I get that with my brand new steel bike with a slanted top tube and modern parts. It strikes me as odd given the number of steel framed bikes you can buy at any bike shop.

My own definition cutoff would be 126mm rear dropout/6-speed cluster is in. Everything later is out. Seems like that's when things started to go crazy. But I realize a lot of people will find that too stringent.

But I can see why you get those remarks. Anything that looks at all like an older steel bike is a "classic".

Because it's not made of plastic and not a rolling billboard people look at you like just came out of some cave. I could care less what people think of what I'm riding or what they consider it. Plus it's not just something everyone and their mothers are riding. The majority of the group rides I go on is like a rolling advertisement of the inventory of the store who's putting the ride on.

I visited a Bianchi specific shop in Austin, and most of the Celeste bikes exude a classic-ness that can't be denied.
Other than that, a 2000 bike? Get it outa here!

Apart from the brifters, I'm seeing a lot of traditional details. One could look closer and quibble about the TIG-welded frame and vertical dropouts, but those things aren't on most non-C&V-minded people's radar.

Looks nice to me!

- Scott

Original Post:

"So, I'm curious: what's the general perception of what vintage/classic is?"

Well...?

Brooks saddle, treaded stem and frame pump? Man what are you a Neanderthal or something?

Very Classy ride by the way.

It's Celeste Green, and the tubing looks normal; hence the comments.

-Kurt

Horizontal top tube. 72 spokes. Brazed joints, either fillet or lugged. Heron headbadge.

Yes, I would prefer the look of a lugged frame, but otherwise I love the way it looks. I do have an 80's Prologue with lugged joints, however. Maybe I need to buy an older Bianchi as well. The wife might kill me, though.


Thanks. Forgot about the Zefal frame pump, I guess that does add to the retro look. I've got an old silver one in a drawer somewhere. Great pumps.

I guess it has the classic look to it, but being a 21st century bike, I can't consider it vintage in any way. I'll just take the comments as a compliment on having a nice retro look to it. I guess Rivendell owners get such remarks all the time. It does make me chuckle, however.

I'll keep Celeste out of the C&V forum now. She's found it flattering, but she really doesn't belong here.

Like a few of my bikes, from 10+ years ago, I'm "aging" them.

If you're stunned by the reactions you get for that Bianchi, imagine what it's like when I get my Raleigh Lenton Grand Sport (Cyclo Benelux derailleurs, rod activated front; coil spring rear) out. Even a lot of the more vintage oriented riders I'm around have never seen anything older than a Campagnolo Gran Sport.

Not sure if this exact, but as I recall, from discussions long ago,
Under 10 yrs old = Modern
10 - 20 yrs old = Post Classic
20 - 30 yrs old = Classic
30 - 40 yrs old = Vintage
40 - 60 yrs old = Antique
60 - 80 yrs old = Historic
80+ yrs = Museum piece
It does not matter whether it's a bike, car, or spoons.
It's a generational thing.
It's also flexable as the time gaps often change with different generations.

Some will consider Di-2's, classic, 30 yrs from now.

So yea, you got a Classic.

Yo Spiff, you and your Bianchi belong here, it's a classic steel framed bike and some day will be vintage too. The reaction you got was not all to uncommon. I get as many people commenting on my 2009 Clubman asking if it's restored or original********** as I do on my vintage rides. I think Henry III is right on:
It must be vintage?

I must be historic.

better than "Pre"

Great bike I wouldn't consider classic just yet. The fact that it is likely one of the last high end Bianchi bikes made with traditional welded frame means many may consider it a classic right know. It well definetely be a true classic in a few years if you keep it.

Damn. I'm "Antique".

Damn I'm an Antique also.

Damn kids today...

For some reason, I’ve been thinking that ‘vintage’ was newer than ‘classic’. You’ve turned my world upside down.