[CR]older bike technology compared to newer

(Example: Framebuilding:Restoration)

Date: Tue, 11 May 2004 09:15:58 +0900
From: "Dennis Young" <mail@woodworkingboy.com>
To: <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
In-Reply-To: <CATFOOD8yJrNKBqujsc00000010@catfood.nt.phred.org>
Subject: [CR]older bike technology compared to newer

Aesthetics aside, and alluminum bikes are not in my frame of reference, but the new thin walled and super hard steel frames, comparing the ones that I have ridden to the older on topic steel frames, the new ones just don't feel as comfortable. It is a bit like comparing a dinner that you can get at the 7-11, compared to a home cooked one. (Japanese 7-11s sell complete meals of many varieties). The convenience food with the unfamiliar taste is good once in a while, but on a daily basis I prefer the homemade type. If one is riding a lot, I think the older frames made from the obsolete material provide more endearing service. My lugged Columbus Nemo frame hardly gets ridden compared to the older DeRosa. I didn't plan it this way. In this regard, I would contend that modern technology is not better in every way. Weight distribution on a bike is something that I never hear talked about when discussing the comfort factor. On my track bike I find that switching from an alloy handlebar to a steel one created a more stable ride. Of course all this is negated as applied to racing where the big concern is finishing the fastest.

Dennis Young Hotaka, Japan


>> If you get down to it, a lot retro dudes are in it for the
>> aesthetic reasons, not the technology.(thus all the photos being
>> taken at the Cirque) If people on this list didn't care about
>> how stuff looked, what collector would go to a "show" and LOOK
>> at all the stuff on display? The only reason to own somthing
>> would be to ride it, and we all know how much the fancy bikes
>> really get ridden ;-)
>>
>> I still think that lots of 50's to 70's stuff is
>> just a lot better looking than 99% of modern stuff. There's
>> no better looking bikes than those 70's Gios, Pinarello, Bianchi,
>> Masi, De Rosa and all those other pro racing bikes of that era.
>> (and I am "in the prime of life") BUT, I think modern technology
>> is better in every way, so I'm no retro-grouch. I'm not talking
>> about quality, or craftsmanship, I'm talking technology.
>>
>> There's some nice black carbon fiber stuff out there, but it's
>> the exception, IMHO, not the rule. I find most modern graphics
>> waaaay over the top, cluttered and unbalanced looking.
>> So Chuck, you're a graphics guy, go set the guys at TREK straight!!
>>
>> I like your term "obsolete"! I also enjoy riding stuff that is
>> technologically inferior today, it's no big deal. Bikes are great
>> to ride, and a great riding bike will always be a great riding
>> bike.
>>
>> Grant McLean
>> toronto, canada