I reality enjoy collecting, riding and wrenching on "classic" bikes. Furthermore, I agree with those who say that much of recent "technology" is really planned obsolescence and/or marketing hype. Even though I probably am a "technoweenie", it's gotten to the point that I find little joy anymore in reading about new bike hardware.
Frame integral bearing races, Aheadsets and their stems, splined bottom brackets and hollow cranks all save a little (very little) weight but offer no advancement in real world functionality. If I halve my breakfast I can accomplish a similar weight reduction for the days ride. Carbon seatposts, titanium bottom brackets and ultralight handlebars hold some sex appeal but are they significant improvements? No.
Like many of you, I think there's little to improve upon a fine lugged steel frame and fork, a Nuovo Record crankset, NR front deraileur, Super Record seatpost, Cinelli stem and bars, a Brooks saddle and Nisi rims (or the equivalents from their era from Japan or France or even America).
I must say, however, that we've seen a few real improvements in recent years. My list includes the slant parallelogram rear deraileur, so called "clipless" pedals, ramped cogsets and light action brakesets (BRS/SLR). Though it's a judgment call, I can see a benefit to index shifting. I'm led to believe that cassette hubs lessen the likelihood of axle breakage owing to more outward bearing placement, sounds right.
Some titanium and carbon frames have there own aesthetic appeal as a matter of taste. Some of them ride as well or possibly better (there I've said it) than steel. So what about Ergo/STI shifters? I've heard the arguments, pro and con. As an owner of some Ergo and STI equipped bikes as well as classic steeds here's my take.
I have no problem keeping them adjusted. I have no problem with the little extra that the shifters weigh. I have never had to have the shifters serviced. Most telling is the fact that I've become lazy about shifting and find myself riding the Bifter equipped bikes more than the "classic" bikes. This is because I don't have to prepare myself for the additional "work" of down tube friction shifters. For me it has little to do with reaching the shifters faster, it's the ease of getting in the right gear and enjoying the ride (and therefore riding more).
I still love riding my older bikes but it's because I want to finesse my shifts on those rides. When prepared to "work", I friction shifting for the joy it brings when well done. I'm proud to exert a skill. But are down tube friction shifters superior to Ergo shifters? I, for one, don't think so. I'll deal with their "complexity" because the reward exceeds the sacrifice.
Randy,
Corral De Tierra, Ca.