Originally Posted by rothenfield1

I guess this is as good of a place as any to post my mini-rant about aesthetics versus function. The biggest thing that drove me away from this site for a while was this my seemingly endless and pricy pursuit of a quasi-period correct bike both cosmetically and mechanically. Some of the bikes I’ve seen on these threads really blow my mind in their beauty and mechanical precision. However, I really appreciate, these days, a bike that has been thoughtfully pieced together with economy in mind. So what if you used a Tange Levin headset over the Campy Record that would have matched the build, for example.

I realize that this may be hierarchy to some, and I’m not trying to offend anyone, but paying $60 for a saddle just because it is the last piece of the puzzle to complete the perfect picture of a bike versus whether or not that same saddle fits your rear end, is the kind of thing that I’m referring to. I’m not saying that that is what the PM is doing; it is something that I have been guilty of in the past and have decided that if the bike works well as a bike, that is good enough for me to appreciate.

I apologize in advance for this.

Originally Posted by shopgirl

I can appreciate this sentiment. I'm not the sort of person who can really afford to spend a lot of money on high-end NOS bikes and parts, as much as I would like to (and despite the fact that I occasionally do it anyway). That being said, I want to say that I also appreciate other bike nuts who can do so, and who then post pictures on here.

Originally Posted by jimmuller

+<some big number>

Back when I was a poor starving teacher or grad student my bikes were whatever I could afford, subject to what worked. Same with the upgrades. Today I choose the saddle based on what has proven comfortable for long rides. And I sure wouldn't choose white, because I just know it would soon show dirt. But otherwise, aesthetics matter if they don't get in the way.

Which brings me to the point here, and also back the OP's point. The toy build I'm working on is a Bianchi Brava, '89, black with celeste lettering. The only aesthetic items I can play with easily are cabling and bar tape. The saddle will be black, rules or no. The rims will be dark Mavic MA40, the crank probably the VO compact double. Celeste cabling and bar tape doesn't appeal even if it would match the frame's decals. I'm considering perhaps maybe possibly cranberry if I can find anything like that. But what one pictures in one's mind can often end up very different in the flesh. So yea or nay?

Originally Posted by RobbieTunes

The idea of re-doing the entire bar, wrap, etc, or at least half of it, to change to an Italian stem?
Well, not part of my volunteer labor on the bike. I mean, she's hot, but not that hot.

Originally Posted by rothenfield1

I realize that this may be hierarchy to some, and I’m not trying to offend anyone, but paying $60 for a saddle just because it is the last piece of the puzzle to complete the perfect picture of a bike versus whether or not that same saddle fits your rear end, is the kind of thing that I’m referring to. I’m not saying that that is what the PM is doing; it is something that I have been guilty of in the past and have decided that if the bike works well as a bike, that is good enough for me to appreciate.

Originally Posted by cudak888

You mean I'm not allowed to use Brooks Professionals anymore, even though they're more comfortable than anything else I've ridden?



-Kurt

Originally Posted by Chuckk

The Taiwanese Bianchi saddles are a steel wedgie, but sometimes you just have to suffer for your art (and swap out when a long ride is in the cards).