RE: [CR]using classic bicycles

(Example: Racing:Beryl Burton)

From: "John Price" <jprice@2-10.com>
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Subject: RE: [CR]using classic bicycles
Date: Thu, 9 May 2002 08:40:59 -0600


I can appreciate both schools of thought here as well - the collector and the user. However, I know if I had a mid 70s Masi I'd be riding it regularly. No, I wouldn't race it but that has as much to do with the fact that I don't race as it is about the bike. I personally think bikes should be ridden.

I met a gentleman here in Denver (at Wheatridge's annual event) that rode his high-wheeler across the US recently. Good for him ! Much better than sticking it away in a museum somewhere. And it was obvious the experience was something special to him.

As for the classic Ferraris being used, again I find it wonderful to see the owners get these machines out and drive them whether in vintage races or road rallies. Would I do the same if I had a classic Ferrari ? You know it ! (and as was mentioned, early Ferraris, Maseratis... could be used to race and/or drive on the street).

And whenever I meet the owners of these classic bike and cars they ALWAYS look like they are having a blast when they're using them.

John Price

Denver, CO

-----Original Message----- From: RaleighPro531@aol.com [mailto:RaleighPro531@aol.com] Sent: Thursday, May 09, 2002 7:42 AM To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org Subject: Re: [CR]using classic bicycles

In a message dated 5/9/2002 9:18:35 AM Eastern Daylight Time, richardsachs@juno.com writes:


> regarding the thread about using versus 'collecting',
> ferrari and masi were the dropped names.
> as far as i know, the ferraris that you can buy
> are not for racing, they are for driving within the
> speed limit. and the masi bicycles that were
> race-ready in the 70s are useless in today's
> racing environment.
> what's wrong with racing on modern, more
> worthy stuff, and just appreciating the bicycles
> and parts that make up the history that brought
> us to this point in time?
>

A good point, but you could in fact buy a Ferrari and race it, as well as buy road going versions. Today the difference between race car and street car is

wider, even in amateur events, if only in the more stringent safety requirements. Maybe the old Masi is not a good race bike in todays world, but it would still be a fun ride if ridden hard by someone with the legs for it would it not? (btw: that's ridden hard as opposed to abused) Just loafing along on a race bike is kind of boring? It's too bad the bicycle hobby isn't big enough to support vintage racing. Say as an example, 70's vintage frames with appropriate components, limits on gearing, allowances for wear items like tires would have to be made. Just a thought.

Pete Geurds
Douglassville, PA