Since it's Dale's list he gets to make the rules, and I won't argue <g>.
Dale - I honestly thought that early clipless were on topic, based on when I remember them coming in on the scene - I could swear someone using clipless passed me climbing up Highway 9 to Skyline in 1982... Or, perhaps I started that climb in '82 - and it took me till '83 or so to get up that far <g> - Highway 9 is a booger of a climb, even if you are not self propelled...
On another note, I figure I did my time with clips and straps and cleats back when I first started riding and did my stint racing Jrs. Had that reach-for-the-toestrap-and-tighten-on-the-upstroke down really well. Also fell on my butt a few times when I didn't get my foot out so gracefully, and my cleat slipped on hurried contact with a wet street.
As for building an era bike up completely with era parts, I was fairly torn on that topic too. I've come to some peace on that subject <g>. The following is my opinion for what it is worth this morning...
I think it really depends on the bike and what you are using it for.
If you have something that is truly preserving a piece of rare and unique history, to me, it's fun to make it as close to original as possible - but I wouldn't hang it up on the wall and hide it. I'd ride it, as much as I felt comfortable and safe, I'd show it, post pics on the web, share my experience of the project...
Now maybe I wouldn't take something like a Sun Manxman (my ultimately desired collector bike) on Ragbrai, but I'd certainly take my '82 Trek, which is pretty much built up with completely era parts - except for the pedals and the seat, because it is also my regular road bike. If my regular road bike was a '72 Cinelli - well I'd be riding that on Ragbrai, with maybe the exception of the aforementioned seat, pedals - and using clinchers. But you'd bet I'd have myself the correct pedals, seat and wheels for Cirque, or other event. Oh, and heck yes, if I had a Sun Manxman, I'd take it out on a local club ride, rock hard Brooks, clips and straps and all. It'd be a blast!
Oh - and London, UK is having some sort of car free day where no cars can get within 8 miles of downtown, unless they pay a lot of money. We could sure use that here...
Ann Phillips, Atlanta GA