John E

"If it ain't broken, don't replace it."
"If it is broken and can be repaired reasonably, don't replace it."

I discovered road bicycles at age 12 (Christmas 1962), got into serious commuting and recreational cycling in college, and kept riding the same type of equipment.

I like 32- to 40-spoke wheels because they are reliable, truable, and maintainable, and traditional 3X or 4X lacing patterns look good.

I like Moly steel frames with a sports touring geometry because they are comfortable and versatile. (Need to increase rear axle OLD? No problem. Want real (not callout) 28mm or even 32mm tires? No problem.)

I like horizontal top tubes and lugs because both look good.

I like friction shift because I can endlessly mix and match components and never worry about small amounts of cable stretch.

I like my old bicycles because they continue to serve me well without draining my nest egg.

I would rather have something old, rare, high-end, and durable, like my collectible Capo Sieger, than something anyone else with a bit of money can buy.

At the same time, I would also rather have something old, beat-up, and not collectible, like my Peugeot UO-8, for running errands and stress-free parking at work, the gym, shopping, etc.

I am devoid of natural athletic talent and have no delusions that a $10K superbike will make me something I am not.

I have turned into a bit of a retrogrouch on automobiles, as well. Since I have yet to find anything as perfectly configured and sized as our 2001 VW Passat wagon, I dread the day we would have to replace it. There are several newer models that could replace my 1996 Audi A4 sedan, but it looks great, runs great, and is still a blast to drive, so why replace it?