Although I am a fan of the pre '83 lightweights, my tastes tend to run to steel creations (KOF) of the late 80s to the mid 90s. This is mostly due to the fact that this is the time period in which I became "cycling conscious".
My memories and droolings revolved around the junky pro-team Colnagos, Pinarellos, Merckxs, Bianchis, etc of era. Motorola and Telekom Merckxs make my mouth water, as do the Banesto and Telekom Pinarellos of the same time period. The same can be said for the Colnagos of Mapei, Lampre, and Wordperfect.
While horribly constructed in many cases, these were bikes that were ridden to many pro-tour victories and influenced the wants and desires of the bike-buying public. The bikes (and the equipment that they were fitted with) made impressions on a generation of cyclists who are now in their mid 30s to early 40s. These are cycling conscious people who often occupy white collar professions and have a bit of disposable income to toss about.
In my opinion, this IS the group that is driving prices on "less collectible" iron. While bikes from this time period aren't always as well constructed, they do carry a high level of mystique to those who appreciate them. I have yet to take my Motorola or Telekom Merckx MX Leaders on a group ride where they didn't receive multiple compliments.
I do see these post '83 machines as a new trend in collecting. The rising prices for pristine C Record, 8/9 Speed Record, and 7400 Dura Ace are a good indicator of the public's interest.
With that said, my top (KOF) collectible picks for the coming years are:
-Any REAL team bike from the late 80s into the 90s -Merckx MX Leaders in Motorola and Telekom livery (not the re-issues) -Merckx Corsa Extras in 7-11 (not the re-issues) -Pinarellos in Banesto and Telekom livery -Colnagos with Mapei, Lampre, Wordperfect, Rabobank, etc livery -Bianchis with Mercatone Uno livery (Pantani) -Old time trial bikes from the 80s/early 90s
Anyway, just the thoughts and ramblings of one of those 30-somethings. Take it as you will.
Best Regards,
Mike (i love the drama of the epo-fueled cycling era) Spess Austin, Texas
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