Chuck Schmidt wrote (and I have snipped out a few pieces):
"It just seems a shame (maybe not the best word?) that a utilitarian object like a bike, that is so much fun to use, will spend it's days in a collection unused for its originally intended purpose. Not a big deal you understand, just makes me a little sad is all." +++++++++++++++++++++++ First, Chuck, I can understand the feeling, because I'm in the midst of this myself. My 38 Paramount is on the rack now, freshly painted and beautiful. I've had it for 30 years, in rattle-can black, and a wonderful, fun bike to ride. I've resisted restoration for 20 years, because I knew she would then become a wall queen, ridden ceremonially at best. But, I'm content with this decision, and would offer a couple of rationalizations that I think have merit in the general case.
First, I feel an obligation to preserve a few examples, just as minor and imperfect examples of the very best of whatever era.
Second, even allowing "utilitarian" to include sporting, there are areas in which things that were utilitarian no longer are. As an example, I just sold Paul Raley a '48 Lenton Clubman in wonderful original condition. To me, the steering and overall handling were just archaic, the tire size was very hard to find, and I didn't find it fun. Was built and sold as a sport bike, and not really there for me now.
Third, and more subtle, there are classes of objects for which the very best have moved from utilitarian to being a very disciplined form of art. Sort of, "within the confines of the classical bike's shape, what is the most lovely that can be created?" I can't imagine taking a Toei on a camping expedition on gravel roads. One may see this more often with "art" furniture. For those who have seen Maloof's works, it is just not conceivable to me that I'd have them in a "working" room as opposed to a "ceremony" room. You may remember the photos of our own Dennis Young's work, which seems to me to be in this class, too.
So, rather than being saddened, I think it is good that we now have Gucci-shod "patrons" who commission bikes-as-art. It helps build a market that benefits all of us by helping support the KOF, and,like the article in the current Bicycling (awful rag), it validates for others what we do and love.
Harvey Sachs, mcLean va. (who tries to collect bikes with enough scratches and patina that the arguments against riding don't come up)