I'm different from most CR members I think, in that when I was a kid I didn't much dream of the fancy Italian job in the bikeshop window. It just seemed unobtainable, and my salvaged Schwinn varsity was enough for me to ride home dirty on, and sometimes dodge the cops through the fields with. The statute of limitations on my crimes is well past now, and it is only in the last ten years that some chakra opened up to the wonders (and obtainability) of hand built bikes,.... alas, a slow learner on all accords. Ten years ago I bought a modern made steel lugged bike with high end Campy components, and since then have been going in the reverse direction in terms of modern has more appeal. Rarely do I see a classic bike on the road in these parts, and I don't give a c%#p what anyone thinks. I've made it back to the sixties now with my latest purchase. Some ride better than others, but I'm adaptable to change my riding style and distance to fit the day and bike, having spent all that time making it pretty and optimal riding again. If possible, I'd like to check out the world before I was born. After I do that, I think I'll be more ready for a KOF bike, more understanding of what I'd like to have.
Thanks for reading my tale.
Dennis Young
Hotaka, Japan
>
> I must agree with Garth,
>
>
>> I still find either complete ignorance that I
>> am riding anything but just some "older cheaper bike", or only a
>> rare
>> nod to the classic steel under me.
>>
>
>
> Here in Australia few recognise the elegance of a time-honoured
> classic bike, even when you steam past them, uphill with front and
> rear black 'duck' cotton bags, white hair and varicose veins.
> I have been riding the same bike for over 30 years so it's probably a
> case of man and machine fusing into one effective unit.
>
> My Harry Quinn still kicks arse, but I now keep it in reserve for the
> big social rides, where the odd 'old fart' recognises it's essential
> character.
>
> Most of my riding is now on a modernish steel frame built about 10
> years ago by a Australians Ken and Paul Evans. It's not any faster or
> slower, despite all the mod cons, it just looks more 'ordinary'. I do
> appreciate the convenience of STI levers even if they don't have the
> 'feel' of friction levers.
>
> Over a half century of cycling I've found that weight and modern
> 'space age' materials may be a psychological boost to some, but it's
> really all in the mind.
>
> Real performance is all about rolling resistance (or lack of it)
> and stamina.
>
> My instinct tells me that if you have the best bearings available in
> your hubs and pedals, the rest is just window dressing.
>
> Ride for your lives
> Michael McGrath
> Sydney Australia