I have a friend who waxed poetically about the beauty of old Shimano 600. Albeit he was born in Turkey and is a Muslim (the design of the Arabesques on Shimano 600 was originally inspired by Islamic Mosques). I remember back in the day hearing about how other worldly the Suntour Blue Line was both in color accent and sexy shape. Dura Ace from the early 80's feels like metalic magic in my hands - both brakes and shifters, Royal Grande Compe brakes came on my balls to wall - spare no expence - must have the absolute most reliable and best functioning Raliegh for racing.
The question is - if you had all your mechanical skills and all of your skills to be able to evaluate and critique various bike parts - and you were suddenly placed in the middle of a major world city ALL ALONE with no one to influence your decision and prejudice your choices - And your past memories about Nuovo Record and such were purged from your brain ------ What would you ride? What would you lovingly run your fingers over? (bike parts that is).
I know of many CR members who have eclectic on topic bikes who choose Suntour this and Shimano that and Universal brakes and odd ball Campy and second tier French frames and Japanese saddles for their most cherished ride. If they can eliminate their pre-conceptions why can't the rest of us? Wouldn't this be a better world if we chose who to marry and what to ride based on love rather than indoctrination?
Garth Libre in Miami Florida USA