In a message dated 3/3/2005 8:16:38 AM Pacific Standard Time, marcus.e.helman@gm.com writes:
How many of us only own vintage?
If you own both, which do you ride more?
Before I moved to SoCal, I had a 3-5x weekly commute of 25 miles each way. 1/3 of the time, Eisentraut/Super Record with criterium gearing, flat both directions. 2/3 of the time, Merlin Extralight/Ergo, and take the longer, hilly route home. I love the Traut, rode it for tens of thousands of miles, over decades, but the Merlin is a vastly better climber. Vastly. (In fact, as I reflect on the subject, my Medici might feel better than the Traut going uphill.) I toy with the idea of buying some carbon for hilly rides.
Weekend mountain rides, 80+ miles, Merlin. Sunday vintage toodle, 30-50 miles, one or another of the various steel stallions hanging in the garage. If I could only own one bike, it would be the Merlin. Hands down. I own bikes to ride.
Having said all of that, I have to admit to having enormous respect for Jan Heine. He reportedly knocks out brevets and randos on true vintage gear, with style. That's a dedication to the equipment which, for me, is more interesting than the restoration and polishing of garage queens.
I gotta go for a ride.
Peter Bridge
Gary and damp San Diego, CA