What constitutes a Classic or Vintage bicycle?
08-07-21, 05:58 PM
#51
This wrench fits...
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08-08-21, 06:54 AM
#52
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I had one of my Takaras out on the path yesterday and while I was visiting with someone I know who is in their 30s, he commented that my bike was a classic. While I hold that it is a well preserved and original example of an early 80s bike boom bike, I've never considered it classic. But I was impressed that he appreciated that it was an old bike older than him. I guess where one draws the line as far as vintage is concerned one can put a date on, the line for classic can be a bit blurrier and I seem to use rarity, quality or historical significance in that regard. But one Merriam Webster definition states a classic is a typical or perfect example. Maybe we can all appreciate our old bikes more than we already do and the young man I visited with saw something I overlooked.
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08-08-21, 07:13 AM
#53
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Went to a classic bike show
It was quite a delight
All the bikes parked in a row
What a wonderful sight
Some are candy apple red
Others are metallic blue
Some have wild lugs and frame decals
And there's even purple ones too
These bikes are steel real beauties
They were made to last
Some were for cruising
Others to go fast
There's the classic Bianci Specialissi
And I'm willing to bet
That some still remember
The sporty Masi Prestigette
They come from a simpler time
And if truth be told
Compare to the new one's of today
I prefer yesterday's old
It was quite a delight
All the bikes parked in a row
What a wonderful sight
Some are candy apple red
Others are metallic blue
Some have wild lugs and frame decals
And there's even purple ones too
These bikes are steel real beauties
They were made to last
Some were for cruising
Others to go fast
There's the classic Bianci Specialissi
And I'm willing to bet
That some still remember
The sporty Masi Prestigette
They come from a simpler time
And if truth be told
Compare to the new one's of today
I prefer yesterday's old
Last edited by joesch; 08-09-21 at 07:25 PM.
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08-10-21, 09:11 PM
#54
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Passion
I have several bikes that fall into C&V and am only slightly embarrassed by the youngest in the stable (a 2007 Bianchi Axis with brifters that is too fun to give up). I suppose that the E’roica guidelines are what I tend to follow for classic. Share your passion for bikes and appreciate the feedback from others.
08-18-21, 08:38 AM
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None of my C&V bicycles are perfect. I settled for "perfectly typical" and ride them all. Don
08-19-21, 02:17 PM
#56
Pacsiah
the last time the Tour de France was won on a steel bike and before 
1994. Indurain. Pinarello.
1994. Indurain. Pinarello.
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09-05-21, 03:12 PM
#58
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It was quite easy to find the "comfort zone" in what is a C&V bike, just a few years ago.....
It was usually anything built within the 80's and older, and bikes relatively did not change that much in general appearance.
Now that we are in the new millennium, that bracket has moved over to include the 90's and bikes had moved on to include a lot of CF, Ti and aluminum, plus the disappearance of things on bikes like lugs and fork crowns and the introduction of more monocoque compisite and water formed metal designs and bikes came out in so many different forms and shspes, it is a bit harder to define that line where C&V ends and the current, modern era starts.
It was usually anything built within the 80's and older, and bikes relatively did not change that much in general appearance.
Now that we are in the new millennium, that bracket has moved over to include the 90's and bikes had moved on to include a lot of CF, Ti and aluminum, plus the disappearance of things on bikes like lugs and fork crowns and the introduction of more monocoque compisite and water formed metal designs and bikes came out in so many different forms and shspes, it is a bit harder to define that line where C&V ends and the current, modern era starts.
09-05-21, 05:05 PM
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I consider my 03 Lemond a classic...once it's 25+ years old I consider it vintage.
09-09-21, 11:21 AM
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Funny that I never really considered the bike hanging in my garage as "classic" or "vintage" but after reading here it definitely qualifies.
1987 Trek 2500 with Dura Ace and most other original components. I'm the original owner :-)
1987 Trek 2500 with Dura Ace and most other original components. I'm the original owner :-)
Last edited by tlastrange; 09-09-21 at 11:36 AM.
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09-09-21, 10:12 PM
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My response is I would follow the same rules as automobiles. Typically at least it used to be, 20 years is Classic. Of course in Europe they think it is funny as it would require 100 years to qualify
09-12-21, 07:56 AM
#63
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Lugged steel frames were common for classic bikes and most in the C&V would enjoy seeing these type of bikes even if recent retro builds. Down tube shifters are surely a sign of a classic bike and most of these are 3+ decades old. I also enjoy seeing the head tube badges that many classic rides have unlike the modern decals.
09-14-21, 02:30 PM
#64
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Classic? High end, preferably handmade.
Vintage? Old.
Classic and Vintage? The bikes I drooled over when I was in high school and college but couldn't afford.
Vintage? Old.
Classic and Vintage? The bikes I drooled over when I was in high school and college but couldn't afford.
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09-16-21, 10:17 AM
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Anyting with cottered cranks
Penny Farthings
Built by Wright Bros.
Stock with friction stem or downtube shifters, and hooped brake cables
Anything made in Japan, England, France, US or Italy
Steel rims
Equipped brazed on frame pump mounts
5/6 or 10/12 speeds
absence of any aluminum or carbon components
This is a "short list"
Penny Farthings
Built by Wright Bros.
Stock with friction stem or downtube shifters, and hooped brake cables
Anything made in Japan, England, France, US or Italy
Steel rims
Equipped brazed on frame pump mounts
5/6 or 10/12 speeds
absence of any aluminum or carbon components
This is a "short list"
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09-16-21, 11:25 AM
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09-16-21, 02:55 PM
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It's like pornography - hard to define, but you know it when you see it. The question is whether your bikes have any redeeming social importance.
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09-18-21, 06:08 AM
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09-19-21, 07:58 PM
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Is that two top tubes, two down tubes or 1.5 of each?
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