Monkman and all -
My "cookie cutter" remark was not in any way meant to disparage contemporary bikes. Anyone that knows me, and/or has read some of my posts on the subject (probably more in the early days of the list), should know that I appreciate, use and enjoy contemporary bikes as much as "classic" ones. Most of my posts on the subject are generally defending modern frames and components. I have an Independent Fabrication frame that I built up a few years ago as an "anti-retro" project, even using some MTB or MTB-inspired components. I even brought it and road it at that year's Cirque, for the reaction more than anything. It's one of the best riding bikes I've owned. My wife has a De Rosa Planet (as well as an '82ish De Rosa). I have a Pinarello Prince, signed by Giovanni. I love it, and I think it may be collectable someday, to somebody. I also think it will last that long unless I crash it.
However, when I'm in most LBSs today and see 20 Trek OCLVs lined up, or 15 Giants that seem at first glance to differ only in what level of components are offered, I tend to think "cookie cutter". Am I generalizing? Sure. I do know the differences, when I look. And I can see the difference between a Prince and a Scattante, but the differences are less obvious than the differences between my Pike and my Masi. At least to my eye.
I do tend to agree with John's perspective when he says "...(in) bikes from the 70s and 80s I see a variety of lug styles (some more subtle than others), some with interesting cutouts, some chromed... I see forks with varied curvatures, different crowns, I see some frames that are fully painted, some with chrome forks, some with chromed stays, both... If I stray into the late 80s(?) early 90s I see various shaped tubesets, tapers, Colnago's Gilco... I see various stay treatments...". I remember my trips to the Pro Shop in "those" days, when the bikes all looked pretty different to me. This is the stuff that hooked many of us on this list in the first place. And it's really nice to see that aesthetic survive, maybe even enjoy a resurgence, in today's marketplace.
I'm really not trying to start another big discussion on the "new is bad - old is good" thing either. I once wanted S-Rec because it was new and cool. I haven't changed. Those that forsake the new in reverence to the old are missing the same thing as those that do the opposite.
So, monkeylad, I guess we're more alike than you might think.
Oh, and I like Warhol and have a Keith Haring design tattoo. Art's good if YOU like how it tastes. :)
Wayne Bingham
Falls Church VA