Re: [CR]Perfect, Q Factor...the sacrifices of a vintage collector

I think it's really great that all kinds of formulae for perfect fit on a bike exist and that many great artisans are available to make just the perfect machine for riders seeking new bikes. The reality for collectors of vintage bikes is something a bit different. If one seeks something like a Carlsbad twin plate Masi of which there may have been only twenty or so ever made in his size and one comes along that is anywhere close to one's size, the vintage collector will generally grab it, if possible. If the bike is desirable and I have been seeking it long and hard I'll jump even if it would not be my first choice for fit. It may not be one of the bikes I pile up mileage on, but I can ride it enough to get by. I am a bit unfocused in my own mind over this as you can probably tell. I guess I am wondering if picture perfect fit is only crucial to heavy mileage bikes. I sure have put in a lot of miles in recent years on bikes that any bike builder would probably tell me are all wrong for me sidewise. I am sure others are doing the same thing I am. Is it taking a toll on us? We seem a pretty healthy lot for the old geezers that many of us are. In my own case it is the crashes that seem to bung me up more that bad fit. How much wrong size are you willing to put up with? Hard to say isn't it? I won't go so far off that I have to use a set back seat post on a vintage bike, but I sure do have some long stems on some of them. Seems like I can ride a bike a whole lot larger than one might fit me to, but too small just takes all the fun out of riding it. Seems like collectors of rare and vintage bikes just have to make some sacrifices to fit. We do ride these bikes, admittedly not as much, perhaps, as our KOF bikes that fit a lot better. Seems like these shorter bike rides aren't doing us too much damage. Chuck, you ride some heavy mileage on some pretty vintage stuff, I believe. Any insights here? Others with some views on this?
Tom Sanders
Lansing, Mi