The new VCC magazine just came in (Super job, Hilary!) and as I was reading it, I realized many letters coming in to the editor are requesting VCC members to help identify various old bikes. They will provide descriptions of bike details and photos of lugs and frame parts.. The ID is difficult because the decals (transfers!) are often gone or obscured... But nonetheless, members are often able to narrow down the maker by those details and idiosyncrasies of manufacture.
Now, in the future, 50 years or so away, how will we identify all these nasty (IMO) welded aluminum bikes?
It is so true what Grant Peterson said about someone digging up a Rivendell in 100 years and telling what it is from the lugs! On the other hand, that oh-so light new Paramount (I hate to even call it that) will look just like the welded aluminum Giant or Trek or Jamis or Principia or yada yada...
And a popped-out-of-a-waffle-iron-mold Carbon Fiber frame will look pretty much like a Kestrel, Trek OCLV, Aegis, or Giant etc etc.
How boring!
Dale Brown