Firstly I must defend the hobby of collecting the frames/bikes of a bygone age for whatever the reason whether we choose to ride them or not. My collection of London lightweight machines have always given me the satisfaction from the day of purchase through their period of restoration and finally to ride on a regular basis. To me whether they are lugged or lugless does'nt matter as I have both and gradually built with correct components makes every effort worthwhile.Some may say its easy for me to be proud of my small collection and be in a position to know how these bikes are should be restored to near perfection as possible. I am fortunate to remember and ridden many of todays classics in the late 1940's and 1950's being a club member of the day taking part in time trialing and track racing right up into the 1960's and now after all those years I'm still able to ride out regularly enjoy the company of likewise veterans on our classic machines. Today its a hobby a pastime every moment spent on it is a joy sometimes frustrating but never the less deeply satisfying.
People of my age can't go on forever and when I look at my machines I often pose the question , who'll take them on, what will happen to them , will the younger generation follow on in our footsteps or will it be interest that will just go away. One thing is certain if my Son and Grandson are any example to the future of collectioning classics looks very bleak indeed.
Members your comments I say with fingers crossed!!
Doug Smith
North Dorset
UK