Does politics, culture or nationalism influence your vintage bike collection?
#26
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As a native Wisconsinite, I have an eye out for Wisconsin-made bikes. I only have one at the moment, a Trek, but I think if I were to become a 'collector' that would be the focus of my interest.
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#27
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I for one am sick and tired of politics being brought into everything. This place needs to stay free from that madness. So no, it's silly to let that play a part in the bikes I have or will have in the future.
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#28
Senior Member
I’ve long been drawn to Brit bikes, largely because of the culture of cycling and frame building that existed through the first half or so of the 20th century (and am a member of the New England chapter of the Veteran-Cycle Club). I’ve never actually owned an Italian frame, partially because I associate them with racing and skinny tires, which I have no interest in, partially because of their popularity to others. These days, most of what I’m riding regularly is made in Taiwan or China (with the exception of a Brit bike from the 70s modified in Portland, OR, by an Italian-American).
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Better you (a collector of historic cycling objects) than an actual nazi.
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#30
Senior Member
Culture for sure... I love the look and specifications of so many vintage bicycles I come across and silently wish to try out, but I've fallen into a rabbit hole acquiring mid-century British bicycles, accessories and literature, and trying to recreate that era in my mind's eye. While it's a time and place that's already popular among vintage bike enthusiasts the world over, I do hope that by focusing I may be able to turn around and contribute to the increasing historical record in some small way.
Being a long way from that goal, if I picked up and enjoyed riding unrelated bicycles around that would simply slow the process, so I'm trying to be consistent...
-Gregory
Being a long way from that goal, if I picked up and enjoyed riding unrelated bicycles around that would simply slow the process, so I'm trying to be consistent...
-Gregory
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#31
Senior Member
But what do I know. I collect rare Canadian bikes.
#32
Banned.
I have a Soviet-made, Soviet-era "flying disc" (i.e. Frisbee). Secured during the Cold War in a trade between two opposing servicemen who represented the reality but easily recognized the absurdity of the whole situation. I traded him a faded pair of Levi's and a "Go Pre" t-shirt for the disc and beautiful knife. I asked him if he was going to wear them, and he said "no, sell them." I called him a capitalist and we laughed our butts off. He now lives in the U.S. and is somewhat of a slum lord, but let me tell you, they pay their rent on time.
#33
Banned.
I simply don't get that. Irreverence is part of enjoying life.
#34
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Expressions of concern won't be shown and you will understand borders.
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WTB: Slingshot bicycle promotional documents (catalog, pamphlets, etc).
WTB: American Cycling May - Aug, Oct, Dec 1966.
WTB: Bicycle Guide issues 1984 (any); Jun 1987; Jul, Nov/Dec 1992; Apr 1994; 1996 -1998 (any)
WTB: Bike World issue Jun 1974.
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WTB: Slingshot bicycle promotional documents (catalog, pamphlets, etc).
WTB: American Cycling May - Aug, Oct, Dec 1966.
WTB: Bicycle Guide issues 1984 (any); Jun 1987; Jul, Nov/Dec 1992; Apr 1994; 1996 -1998 (any)
WTB: Bike World issue Jun 1974.
WTB Litespeed head badge (1 1/8" head tube)
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#35
Banned.
#36
RUSA #3100
Happy Thanksgiving!
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I'm pretty sure I don't know all the factors that go into my bike choices.
I've lived all my life in California and I've wanted a California Masi for over 45 years now. Each time I think I can splurge on one I discover they've gone up in price again. Maybe part of my desire is because they were made in California. But I think my main motivations are aesthetic and personal. On the aesthetic side, I think they're beautiful bikes that perform well. On the personal side, my cycling coach in the mid seventies had raced in Italy and knew Mario Confente, so he bought one of the first California Masis. Being an impressionable young man at the time I too wanted one of those bikes. I guess it depends on where you draw the line between personal and cultural.
Brent (who will one day own a beat up California Masi.)
I've lived all my life in California and I've wanted a California Masi for over 45 years now. Each time I think I can splurge on one I discover they've gone up in price again. Maybe part of my desire is because they were made in California. But I think my main motivations are aesthetic and personal. On the aesthetic side, I think they're beautiful bikes that perform well. On the personal side, my cycling coach in the mid seventies had raced in Italy and knew Mario Confente, so he bought one of the first California Masis. Being an impressionable young man at the time I too wanted one of those bikes. I guess it depends on where you draw the line between personal and cultural.
Brent (who will one day own a beat up California Masi.)
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#38
Senior Member
Something I think that is interesting and related to the thread subject is the hierarchy of "rules, ideas, querks, etc" people have which determines the acquisition and buildup of a bike. Those could be directly related to what's listed in the title.
For instance, color is a big thing for me. Even if it's a grail level bike, if the color is not to the liking it's a no go. Once I get the bike, all of these buildup rules apply. I try to keep the build as close to original while making it more rideable. I put triples on all of my bikes. But not just any triple will do. It has to be the triple version of the original model. If that's not possible, then it becomes same brand>same country of brand origin. And so on, and so on for all of the components. I'm not one of those "I'm putting a (fill in the blank) group on it" type of builders. Nothing wrong with that, it's just not me.
For instance, color is a big thing for me. Even if it's a grail level bike, if the color is not to the liking it's a no go. Once I get the bike, all of these buildup rules apply. I try to keep the build as close to original while making it more rideable. I put triples on all of my bikes. But not just any triple will do. It has to be the triple version of the original model. If that's not possible, then it becomes same brand>same country of brand origin. And so on, and so on for all of the components. I'm not one of those "I'm putting a (fill in the blank) group on it" type of builders. Nothing wrong with that, it's just not me.
#40
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No.
#41
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If i whittled - California = 2, an Austrian, a Swiss, a Belgian, Italian, Brit, Dutchman.......???
I want to go into a bar with all of them.... and hear all the international jokes, stories, and drinking preferences.
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Last edited by Wildwood; 11-26-20 at 01:59 PM.
#42
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Thanks, all.
Those are just three contributors I quickly thought of when wondering about this subject of country exclusivity. Today I was thinking of fictional Dave Stohler and the incident that led him to switch flags. Are there actual vintage racing examples?
I was also thinking of Fausto Coppi. He went through a personal issue similar to Deigo Maradona that put him at odds with his country. I don't know much about it, but I wonder if he would have changed flags, given the opportunity.
Ha. Yeah, that is maybe the american equivalent of what I was referring to. It can get over-the-top passionate.
A country is made up of those things (politics, culture, patriotism ...) and others. And if any collectors are country specific, it shouldn't hurt to talk specifically about it.
I guess it could help to not know too much about a particular builder or culture that influenced a builder.
Those are just three contributors I quickly thought of when wondering about this subject of country exclusivity. Today I was thinking of fictional Dave Stohler and the incident that led him to switch flags. Are there actual vintage racing examples?
I was also thinking of Fausto Coppi. He went through a personal issue similar to Deigo Maradona that put him at odds with his country. I don't know much about it, but I wonder if he would have changed flags, given the opportunity.
I guess it could help to not know too much about a particular builder or culture that influenced a builder.
#43
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I was given a replica TdF Yellow Jersey that I never wear. Maybe when I'm 80 no one will call me a poseur.
If i whittled - California = 2, an Austrian, a Swiss, a Belgian, Italian, Brit, Dutchman.......???
I want to go into a bar with all of them.... and hear all the international jokes, stories, and drinking preferences.
If i whittled - California = 2, an Austrian, a Swiss, a Belgian, Italian, Brit, Dutchman.......???
I want to go into a bar with all of them.... and hear all the international jokes, stories, and drinking preferences.
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#44
Grouchy Old man
I just watched the Diego Maradona (rip) documentary on HBO. The fanaticism gets as ugly as you would ever want to see. I started to question the two Italians in my small collection, which seems ridiculous. I wouldn't hesitate to drive a German car, for example. Maybe cycling is a more tolerant beast compared to futbol.?.
I see no reason this can't be discussed civilly. If it needs to be moved, I'd just rather it be closed. Cheers, all.
I see no reason this can't be discussed civilly. If it needs to be moved, I'd just rather it be closed. Cheers, all.
Last edited by grizzly907la; 11-26-20 at 02:56 PM. Reason: bad grammar and misspelled words
#45
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Pound for pound the Japanese and Korean businessmen I used to work with were unexcelled.
Australians pass out too early. After physical antics end.
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Last edited by Wildwood; 11-26-20 at 03:10 PM.
#46
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I heard or read - sorry no reference - so take it with a grain of salt.
(somebody will correct me if I'm wrong)
The Follis bicycle company moved from western Italy to eastern France (Lyon) because they did not like the political winds (rise of Mussolini?) in Italy.
So maybe my collection has a Frenchie, but only on the surface, not in its' soul?
(somebody will correct me if I'm wrong)
The Follis bicycle company moved from western Italy to eastern France (Lyon) because they did not like the political winds (rise of Mussolini?) in Italy.
So maybe my collection has a Frenchie, but only on the surface, not in its' soul?
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#50
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Hardly, but I do believe every single one of my bikes is from a Dutch brand.
But that's just because there were many cool bicycles made here and not a lot of other countries made tall bikes (64+ cm) for people like me.
But that's just because there were many cool bicycles made here and not a lot of other countries made tall bikes (64+ cm) for people like me.