Two more thoughts on judging:
> Besides, in many cases, a show winner can simply be "purchased" in
>the world of ebay and elsewhere. And at most competitions, all else
>equal, the rare bike trumphs the common bike. That means that those
>with pockets that aren't so deep loose out to equally prepared
>machines that simply cost more.
I would not say that. If you do not know what to look for, you don't know what to buy - and I have seen a number of very expensive French constructeur bikes that had incorrect parts or other issues. But it gets tricky: Do you deduct points for an incorrect, later rack on a lovely 1950 Singer? You could play out rarity vs. condition vs. correct equipment, so that a pristine, totally original 1973 Paramount stands an equal chance against an older, slightly incorrect bike is less preserved condition.
Regarding people's choice: That can be useful to gauge the "mood" of the bike world, especially when there are new bikes in attendance. For example, if at the cirque, a 29" mountain bike got "people's choice," you would know that preferences of the attendees have shifted. However, judging old bikes by people's choice seems of little use.
In the end, awards mean little to me. Even owning bikes does not mean much. Riding them does. Some of my favorite bikes are bikes I don't even own. Their generous owners allowed me to ride them, and experience them in the way they were experienced when they were new. For that, I am very grateful. -- Jan Heine Editor/Publisher Vintage Bicycle Quarterly c/o Il Vecchio Bicycles 140 Lakeside Ave, Ste. C Seattle WA 98122 http://www.vintagebicyclepress.com