A Warning to Future Generations
 

On another thread, @thinktubes commented that my Serotta "should be preserved to serve as a warning to future generations..."

https://live.staticflickr.com/4866/4...5564ec82_b.jpg

It's hard to disagree.

It made me wonder. What other bikes do BF members have that illustrate things that should never have been done and should never be done again? I mean, that pretty much describes the entire decade of the 1980's.

https://media3.giphy.com/media/26DOs...hu/giphy_s.gif

Prevention is key with measles.

What’s wrong with the Serotta...?

Why? Whats wrong with it?

Whats so radically different about a regular bike now versus the last 60 years?

I suppose things like "splash" handlebar tape might be construed as a warning that fashions don't always wear well. A polka-dot bike isn't so bad, since it is modeled on the TdF jersey.

My favorite example of how fashions don't age well is a page out of a mid-70's Raleigh catalog. The bikes are fine, but the clothing.... well, you'll see....

https://live.staticflickr.com/8365/2...84a545_c_d.jpg

Steve in Peoria

Press fit bottom brackets should go away and never return.

The polka dots are either (a) cool because of their connection to the Tour de France KoM jersey, or (b) absolutely hideous for reasons that should be obvious to all sighted people. Since I am the current owner of this Serotta, all value of (a) is negated by this:

https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod...1441317598.jpg

Well, yes, but I was thinking more of aesthetic problems.

Splash bar tape is a good example. Because we didn't kill it quickly enough it mutated into this:

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...b217c0f1_c.jpg

My bikes are the epitome of timeless style and elegance I'm sure.

BTW I saw the thread title and just knew this bike would be featured. I like it and the only eyebrow raiser for me is the triple crank, ha ha.

Maybe Gugie's bacon tape will make an appearance.

Ok understood. Then I vote for any bike frame with a negative sloped top tube.
Exhibit A.
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...fa73111013.jpg

Also, curved top tubes remind me of something.....
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...67c5a0fbe0.jpg
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...6c41329152.jpg

Those polka dots need a Sante group set to go with! It would add some “class,” to the bike I feel.

here here !!

Yes to splash tape and 70s Raleigh catalog pics:

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...e4574bed7.jpeg

I can find a half dozen young women dressed in nearly this same outfit TODAY in SF (and I bet in any city where fashion is sold), even the "high-heeled sneakers" were back in "style" at least a year/two ago. The dude's outfit...well, not so much.
Goes without saying: those balloons? Total fashion faux-pas! ;)

I really like the polka dot serrotta, playful fun, which in no way I could earn without losing a fair amount of weight

of course i ride in these shorts, so questioning my style sense if fair game :)

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...6af967d30f.jpg

Press fit bell-bottoms brackets should go away and never return!
(FIFY)

You mean the one red valve cap?

^ Sunlamp, stat!

yeah, the guy's outfit is what rubs me as wrong the most.
Maybe it's the idea of how much chain lube those white trousers are going to pick up?? He definitely needs a pants clip!

Steve in Peoria
(still have my pants clip from those days... gotta keep the bell bottoms from getting caught in the chain)

Add crackle and splatter finishes on some late 80's bikes to the list of "fair warnings"......:rolleyes:
Some "fade" finishes aren't aging thst well, either....:rolleyes:

Yikes!!!
Annie Hall meets the Carpenters??!
That could definitely scare off any millennial, boomer hater or younger cyclist!

the gal definitely makes me think of Diane Keaton, but for the guy.... I was going more for Deborah Birx (where else do you see scarves like that??)

Steve in Peoria