How old is Vintage, and where the bar for Classic?
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Alpharetta, GA
Posts: 15,280
Bikes: Nashbar Road
Mentioned: 71 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2934 Post(s)
Liked 341 Times
in
228 Posts
How old is Vintage, and where the bar for Classic?
I just realized that my original commuter bike is about 12 years old now, and since it's the first bike I purchased personally I'm still fond of it. Is that old enough to be "vintage"? Can I call it a "classic" GMC Denali?
#2
weapons-grade bolognium
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Across the street from Chicago
Posts: 6,345
Bikes: Battaglin Cromor, Ciocc Designer 84, Schwinn Superior 1981
Mentioned: 44 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 985 Post(s)
Liked 2,378 Times
in
891 Posts
Vintage = 25 yo
GMC Denali trolls only work in the "41"
GMC Denali trolls only work in the "41"
Likes For thinktubes:
#3
Veteran, Pacifist
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Seattle area
Posts: 13,328
Bikes: Bikes??? Thought this was social media?!?
Mentioned: 284 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3898 Post(s)
Liked 4,836 Times
in
2,229 Posts
A slow day in Alpharetta, so stir the pot.
GMC makes trucks.
Denali is a mountain in Alaska.
Neither apply to cycling (much).
And ‘classic’ has now been denigrated.
Thanks Mr 14,500+ posts.
GMC makes trucks.
Denali is a mountain in Alaska.
Neither apply to cycling (much).
And ‘classic’ has now been denigrated.
Thanks Mr 14,500+ posts.
__________________
Vintage, modern, e-road. It is a big cycling universe.
Vintage, modern, e-road. It is a big cycling universe.
Likes For Wildwood:
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: Northern Shenandoah Valley
Posts: 4,141
Bikes: More bikes than riders
Mentioned: 36 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1446 Post(s)
Liked 762 Times
in
570 Posts
L'eroica says road bikes older than 1987 qualify. GMC wasn't making Denalis of any description back then!
I don't know if Eroica's 1987 rule is on a sliding scale or not. That's 32 years ago. 25 from today would be 1994, which means my 1997 Trek 750 is still on the outside looking in. Just wait, little guy. You'll be in The Club in three short years...
I don't know if Eroica's 1987 rule is on a sliding scale or not. That's 32 years ago. 25 from today would be 1994, which means my 1997 Trek 750 is still on the outside looking in. Just wait, little guy. You'll be in The Club in three short years...
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Posts: 16,880
Bikes: 1980 Masi, 1984 Mondonico, 1984 Trek 610, 1980 Woodrup Giro, 2005 Mondonico Futura Leggera ELOS, 1967 PX10E, 1971 Peugeot UO-8
Mentioned: 49 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1858 Post(s)
Liked 664 Times
in
506 Posts
What does this mean? Is there a secret BF C&V official lexicon, where the word "classic" has been rendered no longer operational?
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Posts: 16,880
Bikes: 1980 Masi, 1984 Mondonico, 1984 Trek 610, 1980 Woodrup Giro, 2005 Mondonico Futura Leggera ELOS, 1967 PX10E, 1971 Peugeot UO-8
Mentioned: 49 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1858 Post(s)
Liked 664 Times
in
506 Posts
In my opinion, "vintage" is a non-pejorative way of saying "old," in contrast to perhaps "toasted."
"Classic" suggests the object has lasting value and exemplifies a style, a technique, or other desirable attributes of design or craft.
Old: a 50 year old bud vase, or a 50 year old Columbia 2x5 derailleur bike.
Vintage: a 50 year old bud vase that somebody values, or the same bike
Classic: a Moorcroft bud vase or other item of pottery, of valid antique age or not, or a lugged hand-brazed Cinelli, Masi, Paramount, et cetera.
Sorry if you might have to check the 'net regarding the Moorcroft!
"Classic" suggests the object has lasting value and exemplifies a style, a technique, or other desirable attributes of design or craft.
Old: a 50 year old bud vase, or a 50 year old Columbia 2x5 derailleur bike.
Vintage: a 50 year old bud vase that somebody values, or the same bike
Classic: a Moorcroft bud vase or other item of pottery, of valid antique age or not, or a lugged hand-brazed Cinelli, Masi, Paramount, et cetera.
Sorry if you might have to check the 'net regarding the Moorcroft!
#7
Veteran, Pacifist
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Seattle area
Posts: 13,328
Bikes: Bikes??? Thought this was social media?!?
Mentioned: 284 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3898 Post(s)
Liked 4,836 Times
in
2,229 Posts
Take your bud vase to the 420 Forum, lots of money there, not much interest in old tho.
__________________
Vintage, modern, e-road. It is a big cycling universe.
Vintage, modern, e-road. It is a big cycling universe.
#8
Veteran, Pacifist
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Seattle area
Posts: 13,328
Bikes: Bikes??? Thought this was social media?!?
Mentioned: 284 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3898 Post(s)
Liked 4,836 Times
in
2,229 Posts
@Road Fan - there are better causes to support than a 12 yo GMC Denali as C&V.
Unless we are being ..... overtly tolerant ... of troll posts by Senior Members.
Unless we are being ..... overtly tolerant ... of troll posts by Senior Members.
__________________
Vintage, modern, e-road. It is a big cycling universe.
Vintage, modern, e-road. It is a big cycling universe.
#9
Extraordinary Magnitude
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Waukesha WI
Posts: 13,648
Bikes: 1978 Trek TX700; 1978/79 Trek 736; 1984 Specialized Stumpjumper Sport; 1984 Schwinn Voyageur SP; 1985 Trek 620; 1985 Trek 720; 1986 Trek 400 Elance; 1987 Schwinn High Sierra; 1990 Miyata 1000LT
Mentioned: 84 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2608 Post(s)
Liked 1,703 Times
in
937 Posts
The more people dig bikes, the better.
If people want to consider their bikes “classic,” who am I to judge.
There’s plenty of regular members that regularly post about new/modern stuff.
I felt bad that one guy pulled all his pix out of the Trek thread. He was genuinely happy to share his bike pix- maybe they didn’t exactly belong here, but we all should share that joy.
If people want to consider their bikes “classic,” who am I to judge.
There’s plenty of regular members that regularly post about new/modern stuff.
I felt bad that one guy pulled all his pix out of the Trek thread. He was genuinely happy to share his bike pix- maybe they didn’t exactly belong here, but we all should share that joy.
__________________
*Recipient of the 2006 Time Magazine "Person Of The Year" Award*
Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
#10
Bike Junkie
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: South of Raleigh, North of New Hill, East of Harris Lake, NC
Posts: 9,622
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac, Specialized Roubaix, Giant OCR-C, Specialized Stumpjumper FSR, Stumpjumper Comp, 88 & 92Nishiki Ariel, 87 Centurion Ironman, 92 Paramount, 84 Nishiki Medalist
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 68 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 37 Times
in
27 Posts
The rule of thumb from many years ago was 25 years old is "vintage".
Classic is more difficult to define, but I like Road Fan's description in post #6 .
As for the Denali, I've owned one and worked on at least a couple others including the higher end Denali (yes they actually made one with brake shifters and a steel fork). They're OK if set up by someone who knows what they're doing.
While I don't have a lot of respect for Wally World bikes, I can't help but recall a ride I did years ago when I rode with the fast group. A newbie to our group showed up on a relatively new Schwinn Varsity with 7 speed stem shifters. After doing his turn at pull instead of falling to the rear, he said "See ya" and dropped the entire group. Had a similar event happen last year with another club and another guy on a Denali. Some of those Schwinn/Denali riders can't afford a bike shop bike but that doesn't mean they don't have power and speed. Be careful about laughing at any of them lest they drop your butt.
Classic is more difficult to define, but I like Road Fan's description in post #6 .
As for the Denali, I've owned one and worked on at least a couple others including the higher end Denali (yes they actually made one with brake shifters and a steel fork). They're OK if set up by someone who knows what they're doing.
While I don't have a lot of respect for Wally World bikes, I can't help but recall a ride I did years ago when I rode with the fast group. A newbie to our group showed up on a relatively new Schwinn Varsity with 7 speed stem shifters. After doing his turn at pull instead of falling to the rear, he said "See ya" and dropped the entire group. Had a similar event happen last year with another club and another guy on a Denali. Some of those Schwinn/Denali riders can't afford a bike shop bike but that doesn't mean they don't have power and speed. Be careful about laughing at any of them lest they drop your butt.
__________________
Roccobike BF Official Thread Terminator
Roccobike BF Official Thread Terminator
#11
Full Member
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: Northern NJ
Posts: 419
Bikes: 1987 Pinarello Montello, 1996 Litespeed Classic, 1996 Colnago Master Light, 1997 Litespeed Ultimate, 2006 Opera Leonardo FP, 2006 Pinarello Paris FP, 1984 Pinarello Record, 89-ish Cornelo Profilo
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 148 Post(s)
Liked 119 Times
in
73 Posts
So, my Montello is there, Colnago and Litespeed knocking on the door. And yet, when I go into my LBS, even my 13 yo carbon fiber newbies get referred to as obsolete fossils. I think recalibration of the standard in this age of disposable plasic bikes is required. Perhaps five years?
#12
Fat Guy on a Little Bike
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Posts: 15,944
Bikes: Two wheeled ones
Mentioned: 42 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1254 Post(s)
Liked 345 Times
in
174 Posts
If you want to call it classic...call it classic, or antique, or whatever other marketing term you think fits. I'll decide for my self if I have any interest in it. To me, a large percentage of things posted here aren't classic, or vintage...and to others, my stuff isn't classic, or vintage.
Now if you're asking how many will care about a 12 year old Denali, the answer is not many.
Now if you're asking how many will care about a 12 year old Denali, the answer is not many.
Likes For KonAaron Snake:
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 4,624
Bikes: iele Latina, Miele Suprema, Miele Uno LS, Miele Miele Beta, MMTB, Bianchi Model Unknown, Fiori Venezia, Fiori Napoli, VeloSport Adamas AX
Mentioned: 16 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1324 Post(s)
Liked 927 Times
in
640 Posts
L'eroica says road bikes older than 1987 qualify. GMC wasn't making Denalis of any description back then!
I don't know if Eroica's 1987 rule is on a sliding scale or not. That's 32 years ago. 25 from today would be 1994, which means my 1997 Trek 750 is still on the outside looking in. Just wait, little guy. You'll be in The Club in three short years...
I don't know if Eroica's 1987 rule is on a sliding scale or not. That's 32 years ago. 25 from today would be 1994, which means my 1997 Trek 750 is still on the outside looking in. Just wait, little guy. You'll be in The Club in three short years...
Cheers
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: SF Bay Area, East bay
Posts: 7,663
Bikes: Miyata 618 GT, Marinoni, Kestral 200 2002 Trek 5200, KHS Flite, Koga Miyata, Schwinn Spitfire 5, Mondia Special, Univega Alpina, Miyata team Ti, Santa Cruz Highball
Mentioned: 53 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1610 Post(s)
Liked 2,593 Times
in
1,225 Posts
I think those GMC's have a wheel lock, like the shopping carts. If you try to bring them into CV, they just stop at the gate...
Likes For curbtender:
#15
Senior Member
I think its more than a year model thing for whether a bike is a antique. My '83 Centurion seems about as modern as my 97 GT MB. I think the mountain bike has changed so fast in the last decade that it doesn't take long for them to be considered old.
#16
It's MY mountain
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Mt.Diablo
Posts: 10,002
Bikes: Klein, Merckx, Trek
Mentioned: 70 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4338 Post(s)
Liked 2,981 Times
in
1,617 Posts
c) we prefer the traditional brake lever setup on the bicycles, brake cables pass outside and over the handlebars (cables can pass inside the top tube of main frame), however, starting in 2017, aero brake levers without built in shifters will be allowed.
In the bigger picture, Classic/Vintage is mostly about looks and materials, not dates.
#17
Bike Butcher of Portland
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 11,639
Bikes: It's complicated.
Mentioned: 1299 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4682 Post(s)
Liked 5,802 Times
in
2,286 Posts
Unlike the Classic Rendevous site, we play fast and loose with Classic and Vintage.
Aluminum frames, sure, carbon fiber - meh, but I've seen some early Kestrels and Trek Y-frames shown off here from time to time.
A lot of us take older steel frames and upgrade the components.
Aluminum frames, sure, carbon fiber - meh, but I've seen some early Kestrels and Trek Y-frames shown off here from time to time.
A lot of us take older steel frames and upgrade the components.
__________________
If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 17,159
Mentioned: 481 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3811 Post(s)
Liked 6,713 Times
in
2,613 Posts
Yeah, I'll keep waiting until that Firenze I got free with a stereo from Matthew's, Top of the Hill, Daly City, will be classic AND vintage.
Likes For nlerner:
#19
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Alpharetta, GA
Posts: 15,280
Bikes: Nashbar Road
Mentioned: 71 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2934 Post(s)
Liked 341 Times
in
228 Posts
If you want to call it classic...call it classic, or antique, or whatever other marketing term you think fits. I'll decide for my self if I have any interest in it. To me, a large percentage of things posted here aren't classic, or vintage...and to others, my stuff isn't classic, or vintage.
Now if you're asking how many will care about a 12 year old Denali, the answer is not many.
Now if you're asking how many will care about a 12 year old Denali, the answer is not many.
As for some of you, would photos prove that it's no troll post? It's not really relevant whether or how many people like it, unless that's part of your definition of "classic". I'd say that because it's become somewhat iconic, that's a point in favor of "classic".
#20
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Alpharetta, GA
Posts: 15,280
Bikes: Nashbar Road
Mentioned: 71 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2934 Post(s)
Liked 341 Times
in
228 Posts
First it's "meh, could have been worse" after I got out of intensive care, and now making fun of my bike. Even thick-skins like me can get their feelings hurt eventually.
But I'm patient. If my Denali doesn't cut it for C&V, I'll wait another 10 years and maybe my Nashbar bike will be up to it.
#21
Fat Guy on a Little Bike
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Posts: 15,944
Bikes: Two wheeled ones
Mentioned: 42 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1254 Post(s)
Liked 345 Times
in
174 Posts
Are you saying the crazy eddie t-shirt I got for free at Crazy Eddies isn't both classic and vintage?
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Dublin, Ireland
Posts: 1,268
Bikes: Bianchi Ti Megatube; Colnago Competition; Planet-X EC-130E; Klein Pulse; Amp Research B4; Litespeed Catalyst; Trek Y11
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 605 Post(s)
Liked 480 Times
in
260 Posts
A better thread (that probably already exists, but I'm too lazy to search for it) would be "what do you consider a 'future classic'?"
Any Litespeed
Bianchi XR4
... and so on. That list could be interesting, but you shouldn't find any Cube, Liv, or Giant listed on it.
Any Litespeed
Bianchi XR4
... and so on. That list could be interesting, but you shouldn't find any Cube, Liv, or Giant listed on it.
#23
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 4,707
Bikes: 82 Medici, 2011 Richard Sachs, 2011 Milwaukee Road
Mentioned: 55 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1952 Post(s)
Liked 2,013 Times
in
1,112 Posts
I wonder what my 12 year old classic Denali that has been artfully displayed in my den for all of its 12 years is worth?
#24
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 4,707
Bikes: 82 Medici, 2011 Richard Sachs, 2011 Milwaukee Road
Mentioned: 55 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1952 Post(s)
Liked 2,013 Times
in
1,112 Posts
Oops. Sorry. Bad form. I’ll post my query in the appraisals forum.
#25
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Middle Earth (aka IA)
Posts: 20,435
Bikes: A bunch of old bikes and a few new ones
Mentioned: 178 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5888 Post(s)
Liked 3,471 Times
in
2,079 Posts
About 5 of them in C&V.
First it's "meh, could have been worse" after I got out of intensive care, and now making fun of my bike. Even thick-skins like me can get their feelings hurt eventually.
But I'm patient. If my Denali doesn't cut it for C&V, I'll wait another 10 years and maybe my Nashbar bike will be up to it.
First it's "meh, could have been worse" after I got out of intensive care, and now making fun of my bike. Even thick-skins like me can get their feelings hurt eventually.
But I'm patient. If my Denali doesn't cut it for C&V, I'll wait another 10 years and maybe my Nashbar bike will be up to it.
Last edited by bikemig; 09-16-19 at 12:51 PM.