I've often wondered if, or how many, current pro riders have lugged steel bikes in their stable, and if they care about the things we here care about (most of the younger guys in my club look upon the vintage steeds I bring to our weekly paceline rides with a mixture of bewilderment and wonder, often asking how I manage to shift from the downtube!).
A partial answer in today's NY Times, an article by Christian Vande Velde about his struggles this year. Nothing in the text about vintage rides, but look closely at the bike he's holding in the picture. It's a lovely Mariposa, with chrome lugs, hammered fenders (Honjo, perhaps?), a quill stem attached to a silver alloy handlebar. Among others with a love for vintage or KOF bikes, Michael Barry (of Mariposa heritage) comes to mind.
Is a regard for vintage or KOF bikes alive in the peloton? Other examples?
p.s. Please don't email me offlist if you consider this off-topic. Just ignore it.
Thanks,
Robert Aguirre Windsor, ON
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