Looking at classic/vintage bicycles on EBay and Craigslist. Many of the descriptions do not seem to be correct (I assume this is simple ignorance rather than intentional misrepresentation), and was wondering about how to reasonably accurately date a 10-speed bicycle from its components. I realize that this varies somewhat from one brand to another, but generally speaking, when were these transitions made:
1) Leather saddles to padded/vinyl coated 2) Chromed spoke protector (between freewheel and spokes) to plastic 3) Shifter levers on handlebar stem as opposed to on the frame 4) Use of plastic components on derailleurs, quick releases, shifter lever nuts, etc.