The joy of riding classic (and classic inspired) bikes and components

Lets face it, bikes have changed and the experience of riding these bikes has proportionally changed along with it.  Working behind the counter at the bike shop and teaching bike maintenance clinics has taught me that even those relatively new to and "serious" about cycling know that bikes "should" come with integrated brake/shift levers, 10 or more gears in the rear and aluminum building materials at the minimum (but lets be real, nearly everyone wants carbon these days).  Power meters that measure wattage output, micro switch actuated electronic derailleurs and hydraulic disc brakes are no longer the tech for only pro-level riders.  Much of this technology can be found on even the low end offerings from most major bicycle manufactures.

It seems that most future cyclists and mechanics alike might never know what it feels like to pull a smooth friction shift lever without indexing, find the sweet spot adjustment of a cup and cone bearing or adjust and modulate mechanical brakes.  Many will never experience the feel of a steel bicycle frame underneath them as they pedal as most recreational cyclists won't even ride without a bicycle specific shoe/pedal apparatus these days.  Suffice it to say that though cranks are still spun with two wheels beneath and handlebars above, the bicycle market, riding experience, aesthetics, and over all feel of it all has changed greatly.

GCN plants the seed.  It is a given that modern bikes will be faster,
but over what given life expectancy and at what cost?  Is speed a measure
by which retro and modern bikes should be compared?

The feels..

For a lot of people a big part in the joy of riding classic bikes is the nostalgia factor of years gone by.  The look, feel and sounds of vintage bikes along with its accessories, attire and even lifestyles are a holdover for some while being a purely aesthetic desire for others.  In the golden ages of cycling the sport embodied culture and style in a way that it seems to lack today.  Custom frame builders, handmade cycling garments and fine components made to last generations were the earmark of a time long gone.  Leather, copper, wool, canvas and polished alloys characterize much of what constitutes a vintage bicycle and its accessories/apparel.  Within the classic bike communities there tends to be a push toward "era-correct" builds that emphasize a desire to stay true to the ways of the past.  There are even organized events on a massive scale that encourage participants to ride bikes and wear garments that only date past a certain point to maintain the spirit of early cycling.

Though these forums, blogs, events and bike shops that specialize in vintage-only cycling topics and activities do a huge service to those of us who wish to learn about and engage in classic inspired cycling, one has to ask questions as to where the line should be drawn in the compromise of function, ergonomics, aesthetics and practicality.

someone's beautiful dirt bike, modern refinement with classic lines..

Finding the sweet spot

Retro for retro's sake has never been my game.  Though I absolutely love the look, feel and aesthetics of vintage bikes, I have never felt the need to greatly sacrifice comfort, quality, reliability and serviceability in the name of retro.  Some vintage concepts have stuck so strongly with me due to the time tested nature of their design and quality while others needed (in my opinion) to hit the wayside.  Things of massive impracticality like tubular tires, ultra narrow mtb handlebars, knee busting, thigh churning road gearing (39/52t x 13-26t and higher) and mega long stems with drops are the first that come to mind.  

When I build a bike for myself or for others, I do my absolute best to bridge the gap between the aforementioned sensibilities and new refinement.  For me there are without doubt many big improvements that have graced the bicycles that I ride today.  Micro ratcheting friction shifters that maintain a consistent tension and feel in pull, more ergonomic handlebar options for comfort, platform pedals that grip and support a huge portion of my feet, wide clincher tires that give more suspension and grip via air volume/larger footprint and optimized brake pads/braking surfaces are all things that I appreciate and incorporate into my cycling.  Sure, some of these things might be refinements made 30+ years ago, but then again I am a person who in no way subscribes to the notion that every new, yearly crop of cycling related products offer inherent improvement.  In terms of quality vs function vs cost there are many products and designs that are decades old that I feel have yet to be superseded.

"Dirt Drops" and "all road" tires!? recycled ideas from a century ago

Don't knock it until you try it, or buy it... or ride it.. or break it... or..

Seriously, it takes time and repeated experimentation to decisively tell someone that X product/design is better than the next X product/design for X application.  Different people want different things for different purposes and when it comes to riding a classic vs fully modern bike the same must be understood.  With the use of vintage or vintage inspired bikes and components my goal is not to have the fastest or lightest bike out there.  It is not to say I did the most miles or climbed the highest passes.  Its not to say that I can hang with the fastest riders or earn the most shop cred.  Riding vintage style bikes and components is for me about returning to an emphasis on quality, aesthetic, serviceability, interchangeability, readability and simple fun.  If its easily accessible, affordable and easily replaceable at the same time all the more!!!

The groupo illusion

Somewhere along the line in the mid 60's our friends at Campagnolo in Vicenza, Italy conceived the idea of a component group that would match in aesthetics, function mechanically in conjunction, and be sold as a complete package to bicycle frame manufactures for soon to be built bicycles.  This new idea coined the "groupo" changed consumer perception, distribution dynamics, marketing exploits and pricing variations in a completely new fashion.  Both bicycle and component sales would forever change beyond this point.

Fast forward

 Its June 6th, 2017 and the high-end Shimano Dura-Ace R9100 (mechanical 11 speed) group set trends at a whopping $1,800.  This parts kit includes the Bottom bracket/crank set, Brifters (brake and shifter combo), brakes, chain and cassette.  The Shimano 105 group set from this same year (also mechanical 11 speed) with the same parts package trends at $500.  For point of reference, in the higherarchey of the mechanical component groups Dura-Ace Ranks #1 while the 105 group ranks #3 with a price differential of roughly $1,300 - $1,400.  For the +/- 300% up charge one would have to imagine that the variation in quality would be roughly correlated as being threefold.  The fact of the matter is that the actual cost-benefit ratio when purchasing the Dura-Ace group over the 105 is no where close to the company's (and many others alike) attempted rationalization in price hike.  The big reason for this is that the big 3 (Shimano, Sram, and Campagnolo) do not hedge their status quo on the sales of their top tier groupos, but instead have a very focused sales effort that lies within the mid range of the barrel.  Shimano tiagra (the lowest in their groupo ranking) exists primarily for the same reason as Dura Ace does; to sell 105.  When it comes to squeezing the trigger on that Dura Ace upgrade you have been waiting so eagerly to make, you are in principle being duped by the big players in the component game.

Value perception

When races are being dominated by those running the newest, most lightweight and aerodynamic kit the marketplace has to offer, race fans and consumers will know it.  Through myriad adverts, those watching and listening are subjected on full blast to notion that the lightest, most race winning gear is what all of us would-be, weekend warrior hobbyists really need.  Though most of us can not, and never will be able to afford the en vogue, super kit of today, many of us can indeed jump into the "price point" gear of the component middle ground; and that is exactly the goal of the major component manufactures.

Though dating 2014, factor for slight inflation and this chart more or less represents today's groupo pricing standards

When juxtaposed perfectly between the lowest and highest end offerings, the value perception is the key to solidifying sales to on-the-fence, semi discerning consumers.  The perceived take away is that even though the mid level Shimano group set is heavier (ever so slightly), made using inferior alloys and materials (ever so slightly), and holds a lower resale value; when stacked up against something roughly 4 times the cost it indeed seem like a hell of a deal.  The Dura Ace (just like most quality hierarchies in marketing) stands as a component group that introduces technology that will inevitably be trickled down to the future years mid range stuff.  When you line up for the 2017 105 group, you are in practice getting that 2014 (ish) level quality that was standard to the Dura-Ace group of that year.  

a 5 step program to success!

Step 1: have pro level, race winning cyclists advertise the kit that "granted" them their prestigious victories.  Step 2: slap an astronomically high sticker price on the "pro level" gear.  Step 3: convince buyers that the "value oriented" lesser (though not bottom) level group sets carry with it technology of something close to the high end of today's standards.  Step 4: "modestly" price the aforementioned group sets in a way that seems like a massive comparative bargain.  Step 5: Repeat.

If In-da-rain can win tours on Campag so can you!

When it comes to outfitting your next road or mountain bike, please do your best to cut through the fluff that seems to permeate every corner of the industry.  Upgrading when necessary is the best way to get the most out of your not so inexpensive parts (especially if purchased new) and avoid more of the unnecessary waste with the "throw away" mentality that comes with the notion that your components are supposedly obsolete.  Asking yourself if an extra 500 grams will make the difference in your riding experience is something worth while.  If the time comes, entertaining the notion of "downgrading" to a lower line of components is also a clear way to save money while still getting what is often a very similar product to the "mid" level stuff.  There is always the discussion of buying used altogether, but I will save time here having written extensively about that in previous posts.  Just try to remember when you gear up for your post work ride that you are not chasing records and stage race podiums, but simply trying to enjoy the merits of riding while doing so in a affordable and reliable fashion.