I have been following the discussion about whether it is right to ride antique bicycles. When I first got into collecting bikes I thought it wrong to ride a "rare piece of history" but after joining and talking to many members of the wheelmen I have changed this view. The vast majority of antique bikes aren't "rare pieces of history." This even applies to TOC bikes and high wheels. There are plenty of examples in museums to ensure their history won't be lost. That being said there are examples of rare bikes that I would not like to see ridden due to the chance of damage to a piece of history. Beyond these exceptions it's much more valuable that antique bikes are ridden and used to educate the public about this aspect of history. This may mean some of these bikes will be lost periodically. So be it. Plus most of the collectors I know that are also riders tend to be good mechanics or know of good mechanics. I think the high wheel that suffered a broken backbone at the last wheelmen meet is a good example. I know the gentleman who owns that bike. I haven't spoken to him recently but my bet is the bike is already repaired or will be soon. All the education gained from this bike being ridden and talked about out in public is much more valuable to bicycling history then the loss from the scar on this, not so rare, high wheel.
Ride them!! If you want something pretty to hang on your wall buy a painting.
Cheers,
Phil
