As the designated "Funkmeister", I do like Ann Phillip's criteria, as long as they can be waived (!) for exceptional circumnstances:
Well if I was the person defining the characteristics of a bike that qualifies for this category and is eligible for competition, these are the standards I'd use, in order of scoring.
The bike should be made in such a way that it is a clear attempt to copy higher end road bikes of the same vintage. The manufacturer must have made no really desirable bikes marketed under the same label. Must be era. Accurate restorations or good original overall condition - but patina is cool, if its not dropping parts everywhere. Original equipment - within reason. If it came with 27" wheels, no 700c rim upgrade, but newer, almost correct tires and brake pads are ok. Must be actually ridable - now, and as new. I'm not sure if "safe" should be a requirement here. Actual original quality features and materials, hidden behind cheesey paint or odd componentry are worth points. Rarity/uniqueness Documentation is worth points - catalog pages, original advertising stuff, bill of sale...
Or you could just have a weigh off and the heaviest drop bar road bike without a pedigree wins!
Dale asked what to call the award, if offered. I like his suggestions, all are better than my thought of "Worst in Show," for which I could qualify sometimes. Maybe Dale forgot his counter-suggestion of "Lanterne Rouge..." harvey Sachs mcLean va
At 10:00 AM 5/9/2003 -0400, OROBOYZ@aol.com wrote:
>>In a message dated 5/9/2003 9:21:15 AM Eastern Daylight Time,
>>aphillips9@mindspring.com writes:
>>
>><< Dale, are you listening? >>
>>
>>"Best Funk Bike"?
>>"Funkiest Bike"?
>>"Most Nostalgic Beater Bike"?
>>"Best Starter Bike"?
>>"Best 'That-Undefineable-Cool' Bike"?
>>"Best Personal Transportation"?
>>
>>?????