Originally Posted by
johnnyace
I think what you say is true, although new bikes made in the classic style also get quite a bit of love, whether they are handmade by the builder (think Weigle, Bishop, Sachs, Chapman, etc.), or built in Taiwan (Rivendell, etc.).
Steel imposes a certain design minimalism that is aesthetically appealing. The frames look smaller and less intimidating, and details like lugs break up the monolithic look that I think people find off-putting.
BTW, I'm far more likely to want to talk to another cyclist if they DON'T have the buzzy Chris King hubs. I do what I can to get away from that noise just because I find it extremely annoying. It's a real fingernails on chalkboard reaction.