I went to an art opening in San Francisco friday night followed by dinner across town. This email thread came to mind because everywhere I went I saw the young and hip girls and boys riding/pushing/parking their bikes. A sleak red Carlton with gold anodized hubs, a charming blue Faggin, lots of Peugeots, Nishikis, Bianchis etc. These bikes, nearly as ubiquitous as Ipods among the stylish are not mere transportation, but accessories. Everytime I go to Montano Velo in Oakland I am surprised by the beautiful customs chained out front, being worked on inside or for sale, and as described in Matt Issacs earlier email, I can't help but linger chatting with the friendly staff and other customers.
Jitensha Studio could be a time warp back to a late 1970's high end bike shop in Japan, their beautiful, simple, traditional steel offerings make the average consumer bikes lined up in sporting goods stores look garish and unnecessarily complex. Riding trails in Marin, Berkeley, Alameda etc I am surprised by the number of older steel bikes updated with modern parts groups, similar to my early 80's De Rosa Super Prestige that wears an odd mix of C record, Ultegra and Veloce and is topped by an early 60's Ideale saddle. Carbon Aluminum and Titanium have their place in the bicycle world and have an artistic feel of their own, but to me lack the purity of a lightweight slender steel roadbike with a traditional aluminum component group. If prices for a lugged frame set, even of modest pedigree are any indication, Traditional bikes are alive and as, if not more, appreciated than ever.
My .02 on the matter as an upstart in the classic roadbike world.
Matt Hamilton Oakland Ca
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