In a message dated 04/20/2001 3:46:18 PM Pacific Daylight Time, classicrendezvous-request@bikelist.org writes:
<< I think we are all a little old and jaded. Guys in their teens and 20s are excited and enthusiastic about the latest and the greatest.
Speaking of which... Integral headset bearing races -- Bianchi and others early 1900s ? Ahead-style stems -- French 1940s ? Splined bottom brackets -- Italian Gnutti 1940s ? Hollow cranks -- French Duprat (steel) 1930s ? >>
I confess, I am old and jaded. I also realized many of the "new" items I mentioned existed before 1984. But these items are being hawked as new now and offer little or no improvement over some highly evolved and refined technology. Why, for instance, on earth would I give up a quill stems easy adjustably to possibly save an ounce?
Now, it's fine to have the choice of a quill-less stem for those who want one, however misguided, but note that fewer and fewer quill stems are being offered for sale in the new parts market. So let the teens have whatever, but just because "new" stuff is exciting to them doesn't make it better cycling gear. Nor should it spell the demise of superior old technology.
Randy
Corral De Tierra, Ca.