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!!!