Seems to me that if one really enjoys biking for the pure thrill of biking
nostalgia should be cast aside in preference of utility.
If vintage bikes are so superior, how come the Tour De France crowd don't ride 'em?
To me, vintage bikes are a fashion statement. When I see people riding them I take it for granted that they're not passionate bikers. Yeah, they're fine for putzing around town and looking hip, but if you really want to experience the thrilling euphoria of riding, you'd buy something new, fast, and functional.
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Have sat on the tour de france crowds bikes and it is like sitting on a knife. Put your argument against vintage cars. Or as we are at it vintage furniture for godsake!!! it amazes me how someone can be so into one area such as furniture but not be able to see someone elses passion. there it is by your own admission you must go home get rid of all your vintage furniture and get yourself down to Ikea because just like the tour de france bikes the draws will run smoother the finish will be perfect.
I was only suggesting the superiority of new vs old
in mentioning Tour De France bikers. I didn't mean to suggest that one needed to have THE fastest, lightest Tour De France-appropriate bike available; only that new modern bikes are far better rides-- which is what riding's about. I myself have a light, functional mountain bike.
There's nothing inherently more functional about new furniture vs old furniture.
Gene: Bike/chairs combination/adulation
Back to room with bike on blue wall:
1. first time I've seen the Charles Pollock chair in all-black leather. Sweet.
2. no one's commented on the harmony of tubular steel in chairs and bike. Again, sweet. Now, a CHROME bike . . . nah. Too much.
New vs old
As I said before the ride in a tour de france type or similar high end competion bike is not superior in ride comfort just as you would not take a Ferrari on a touring trip around europe. Those bikes are built for a purpose speed and not for comfort.
Also you assume anyone riding a vintage bike is not into bikes!! I suppose the guy driving an E type doesnt give a hoot about cars. The passion for me is design, ride and looks I ride single speed bikes because I feel I get a better all round experience.
"I still feel that varable gears are only for people over forty-five.
Isn't it better to triumph by the strength of your muscles than by the artifice of a derailer?
We are getting soft...As for me, give me a fixed gear!"
--Henri Desgrange, L'Équipe article of 1902
For someone who enjoys the...
For someone who enjoys the wonderful feel of a high quality steel frame bicycle, a modern bike is not a superior ride. And to post to a design forum that the only reason someone could enjoy a vintage bicycle is to make a "fashion statement" is just incredible to me. Also, thanks for letting me know that although I ride basically every day of my life, and spend countless hours working on bicycles, that I'm not a passionate cyclist -- but you are, because you ride a new mountain bike. Got it.
You know, there are plenty of threads on here that don't interest me greatly, so naturally I don't comment about it. I really don't understand what motivated you to share your disdain for those who appreciate the design of vintage bicycles, and to express your superiority because of your new mountain bike. In any case, I hope if there are other folks on this forum who love and ride vintage bikes, that they will continue to post about it, because I really enjoy reading it and looking at the photos.
Geo: Thanks for the...
Geo: Thanks for the compliment!
Yeah, the Pollock chairs came in all black too though must not have been as popular as you see them a lot less frequently than the tan/black combo.
I like your observation about the tubular steel on vintage bikes and tubular steel furniture -- hadn't really thought about it like that before!
If this thread hadn't been titled "Freedom!"
but instead "Bike as Object de Art", I might not have spouted off.
Antique and vintage bikes have their appeal as 'objay', I suppose.
But really, when minimalist style is prized over function (as seen with the brake-less track bike craze of recent years), it makes such self-avowed design enthusiasts look silly. More like Design Victims.
mmm... very interesting
Point well taken. I've never thought of the bikes I enjoy as being a fashion statement. I've just been in love with the things since I found my first one over 25 years ago. I've also had a few interesting autos in my day but that's another story. I've only recently become enamored with MCM and minimalism after being involved in a home remodel a few years ago and I had the opportunity to visit the very gracious architects home for ideas. An eye opening experience to say the least. I have collected antiques since my teens and have always been drawn to the machine age (and clutter) but also earlier pieces as well. Perhaps my taste in wheeled goods hasn't evolved as much as my furniture interests have of late...
I hope no one takes this the wrong way but I've come to learn that when I think I have spotted a flaw in someone else the only reason I am able to identify it is because it seems to lie in my own heart as well. So who's to say our choice of furniture isn't merely a "fashion statement" also. My house does seem to feel a little more "hip" lately. No, perish the thought!
Brent
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Stick a title on a thread like "ID my danish chairs" when it turns out to be a piece of worthless rubbish is fine but add the word freedom to a title and everyone gets there pants in a twist.
The day I refer to a bicycle as a piece of "objet D'art" is the day I do something horrible to myself!
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