Doug Smith wrote:
> On the subject of our pastime and the collecting and restoring the
> older classic bikes. The recent years we have seen vast changes in
> the manufacturing of frames and complete bikes with the steel
> frame and polished accessories gradually been overtaken by
> modern plastic /carbon materials. It is a sad time when the we have
> to accept there is no going back to the days of the traditional
> bike as
> we know it. Apart from the few still dedicated traditional frame
> builders
> the feeling of been once a proud owner of popular make is all but
> gone.
> I often wonder what the future holds for our pastime with the modern
> design in manufacturing and why did these changes have to be made.
> To me there is no way one can compare the new with the old which
> stood the test of time for nearly over a century. I can only sit
> back and
> think of all those skilled engineers who us the opportunity to
> enjoy the
> years of proper bikes , which leaves me wondering was all their
> efforts
> in vain! So look after those "oldies" because there are not around
> anymore.
> Doug Smith
> North Dorset
> UK
I actually have the opposite view Doug. There has never been a better, more rosy time to be a lover of fine bicycles. There are more artful builders of lugged steel bikes now than at any other time in past one hundred years. And you can still outfit a new bicycle without any of the new components being made of plastic if that's your desire.
Plus... you can pick from the past hundred years of bikes already made if you like the role of conservator (or just run the things into the ground if not).
Chuck "the cup is full" Schmidt South Pasadena, CA USA
.