In a message dated 3/16/03 7:13:02 AM, joebz@optonline.net writes:
<< By year the top road bikes sort of ran like this:
'72: Finest
'73 Newest, Finest
'74 Newest, Ace, Finest
'75 Pro, Newest, Ace, Finest, America (touring) >>
I think your memory is pretty close Joe!
I remember in '74, my girlfriend bought a Finest (I seem to remember the price being about $370?) while a Newest was about $450.00. The Finest was very nice looking and came with leather handlebar wrap which augmented the appearance. It also had the Suntour "reverse" action front derailleur (I never cared much for that) as well as leather wrapped toeclips and 27" wheels.
All-in-all, the Finest was a nice bicycle, but certainly (in those days!!) lacked the pizzazz of European bikes, as the overwhelming majority of people we rode with couldn't understand why she bought a Fuji and not a (fill in the blank........)!!!!
Regards,
Chuck Brooks
Malta, NY