I think it is just a matter of "feel' which is probably affected as much by our preconcieved expectations as by the actual experience. I have ridden only a few "modern" frames, but find OS aluminum-tubed frames harsh and carbon fibre dead. TIGed steel or titanium frames with tube diameters close to classic frames feel OK, but not in any way superior to classic frames. My principal objection to them is that they lack the visual appeal of lugged bikes, and in the case of titanium I see absolutely no advantage to titanium as a material for bicycle construction which would justify its higher price or the environmetally hostile measures required to manufacture it.
There is no doubt that modern derailleurs, when properly adjusted, are easier to use, but how difficult is it really, to use classic derailleurs? I do have a circa 1999 9-speed Chorus ergo gruppo on my wife's Bianchi TSX/UL, and she finds it easier to use, especially on hills, but I find it unnecessary. And I find ten speeds a more than adequate selection of gears for most terrain with the option of a classic triple setup for mountains, especially since a modern 2 X 10 drivetrain to a significant extent just means more duplicate ratios. Modern brakes do stop faster than classic ones, but this is really only important in panic stopping situations, which I try to avoid getting into.
So it really gets back to that subjective "feel", which is heavily influenced by what we expect to feel. And my subjective impression is just the opposite of yours - if I am going over 10 miles, I want it to be on a classic or KOF bike. Different strokes for different folks.
Regards,
Jerry Moos Houston, TX
r garni <crispyflotilla@yahoo.com> wrote: Hello Everybody,
Well, a bike of course is more than weight and index shifting ...I suspect that a lot of my choice (viz. what Jerry was discussing) has to do with the degree to which I get beaten up on the ride (pavementnot to flesh, but to tire.) I suspect that a lot of my choice has to do with a well-designed (underline those words) modern bike, with a carbon fork, good range of useable gears, perhaps oversized steel tubing. I know that I got rid of a fairly new Klein recently because, well, it was "responsible" but sadistic.
I would LOVE if I preferred a very old bike for long hauls, commutes, etc. They're cooler (usually) and cheaper (mostly). I know there are some generalizations there, but I am trying to compare high end old versus that of today. And honestly, I am prone to listening to all sorts of hype about all sorts of things, but then I make a judgement or decision once I actually ride the bike.
I can't help but think of what Marcus said below regarding Lemonds. I suggested one for a friend recently who is interested in touring (on a modern bicycle)Lemond has a few that are in his price rangeand the dealer suggested that I look at the Trek instead. I wouldn't, even for a friend. He reminded me that Lemond is owned by Trek (as well all know) but my bias extends far enough to say--- "But is says 'Trek' on it!'"
Lemonds not only say "Lemond" on them, but they have nice words like "Big Sky" and "Versailles" on them, too. How can we forget Versailles! Forget the Kingly stuff! Here's to 1989!
Ricky Garni Carrboro, NC
marcus.e.helman@gm.com wrote:
> Ricky wrote, among other things,
>
> Still, my commute is about 30-40 miles a day, and as
> much as I would like
> to take something like my dearly departed PX 10, it
> is just plain easier on
> my legs to take, well, something else.
>
> If you are commuting 30-40 miles a day, you should
> ride whatever the heck
> you want. OK, I guess we should all ride whatever
> the heck we want, but
> still I am impressed.
>
> Does anybody ever become convinced by this perennial
> debate? Has anyone
> ever said "gee, you guys are right, modern bikes do
> have some advantages,
> I'm going to a) get off my soapbox and b) go buy a
> new Cannondale"?
> Or,
> "Gee, you guys are right, old bikes can do
> everything new bikes can, and
> look/feel better doing it. I'm going to a) get off
> my soapbox and b) sell
> my Cannondale"?
>
> How many of us only own vintage?
>
> If you own both, which do you ride more?
>
> I have an off-topic LeMond, that gets no more than
> 10% of my time, but I
> can't quite bring myself to let it go.
>
> Marcus Helman
> Huntington Woods, MI
> Sunny, but 10 degrees this morning
>
>
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