Let's see, I've got a '74/'78 Raleigh track (a defective frame replacement), a '74 Raleigh Pro, a '77 Paramount P15, an '82 Marinoni, an '83 Colnago Master, a mid-80s Bianchi something-or-other, a lightweight tandem, and a host of other pedestrian, off-road, and unridable antique bikes. Ignoring the latter three categories, the bikes all range from good to virtually brand-new condition. Since the Colnago has only a few hundred miles on it, I find myself riding it the least, in hopes of preserving its like-new condition. I don't see anything wrong with this approach. On any given day I can pick a classic bike that rides anywhere from well to pure joy. If there is salt on the roads, or if the bike needs to travel, I'll ride the Bianchi. If it's raining, I can take the fendered Paramount. If the wather is iffy, or if I am riding to work, I'll take the Pro, with it's heavy 30 year-old "patena." If I am headed out to the mountains for a long joyride, it will be the custom Marinoni, and if I am out for a sunny Sunday ride with a bunch of other folks, I may try to snag some bragging rights with the showroom Colnago (unless the ride doesn't involve mountains, in which case I may be a real weenie and bring the wooden-rimmed track bike!)
Total investment? Ignoring all the "spare" parts I have picked up over the years, I think less than $5,000, primarily due to the fact that most of the bikes were purchased on employee discount, when bikes sold for a lot less money than they do now. Since the use is distributed and appropriate for the condition of the bike, riding has not taken much toll on the fleet. Maintenance doesn't get deferred, because I can just grab another bike if the chain is dirty and I don't have time to clean it. I have the distinct disadvantage of not having a lot of storage space, and my wife thinks I'm a bit nuts, but luckily I can point to several other folks who have much bigger collections (there is always somebody out there who is a bigger collector than you--thanks for playing your parts, guys.) Meanwhile, I get to ride nice bikes that have proven themselves capable of lasting many, many years without significant deterioration.
I could go out and spend $4,000 on a new bike, but I know I wouldn't get as much fun out of it. Speaking for myself, riding a reproduction of any of these bikes would be a real yawn. The only reproductions that would interest me would be if someone like Herse did a reissue of one of their own classics. Personally, if I had a mint 40 year-old Herse, I would probably not want to subject it to a 2-week loaded tour.
Steve Barner, about to strip the Pro for its winter rebuild, in Bolton, Vermont
Reissues: For those of us who ride the old bikes because we feel they are superior, a reissue would allow us to use them daily, in the rain, without worrying about wearing out an irreplaceable piece.
Furthermore, bike fit is important, and often it is impossible to find an original that will fit. And especially with French bikes, there are so many features and combinations thereof, that it is unlikely you'll find the one you'd love.
So it makes sense for people to order a 1970s Alex Singer, even if they may already own an original.
If I could go back to 1953, I'd order a few René Herse bikes for my personal use...
Jan Heine, Seattle