I am somewhat troubled by the mentality that seeks a villain for every setback. I am somewhat unsure just what is meant by the "Decline" of the classic bike. I see no villainy in seeking to make bikes lighter, or more accessible to the masses. There was a conjunction of lots of events that brought us here. Before we go any further with this discussion let us remember that there has always been a lot of junk on the bike market. I have modern high quality bikes, classic bikes of the CR List period and also classically inspired bikes. I don't feel anything has been lost when I ride my ergo shifting, aero braked bikes. I love them. I love my older bikes, too. I love lugwork above all, but half my bikes are fillet braised or tigged. The lugwork on my newer Columbine is, by far the finest lugwork..it rides better than any other bike I've ever seen. I won't extol the virtues of my (way off topic) tigged cyclocross bike, but all on the list who have seen it seem to admire it. Many of the sacred cows of vintage collectors share at least some responsibility for any decline in the classic bike, assuming there really has been one. Tremendously expensive Italian components that were sometimes outclassed by cheaper Japanese ones, frame who sold out to companies who did not share their quality ideals, the Madison Ave type B.S. that seemed to send the message that if you didn't emulate racers you weren't hip. I really think this is beating a dead horse. If you think the classic bike is in decline, you might be right if numbers are the prime consideration, but remember the really great bike has always been the exception. I'd put up many modern makers, like Tommasini or Richard Sachs or Columbine against any of the classic bikes and I think they'd stack up pretty well. Again, what percent of sales were Masi Specials, any way? The special has always been somewhat rare and there are great bikes today. And, as always a lot of not so great bikes. I do think the special bikes today are a lot more expensive, but I'm not just sure, if adjusted for inflation, how much more expensive. A thousands pardons for waxing so verbose...I am painfully aware this letter is way too long and I know will not be welcome in some quarters. Too gabby in Lansing, Mi Tom Sanders