Here was one I almost used, then decided it was unnecessary for the content of that article - but I thought it was a pretty good ad:
The "Protection vs. Tradition" ad ran in both Bike World and Bicycling a few times in 1978 and '79.
One thing I think is pretty good is the expression on the two riders' faces -- it's subtle, but the expression of the guy on the left has an edge of confidence, while the guy on the right has just a touch of uncertainty, maybe fear.
By the way, the leather hairnet worn by the "tradition" guy looks like one of the later models that I remember -- it's a bit bulkier, thicker -- probably in an effort to make them a little more effective, given the appearance of more hardshell choices on the market. That one looks like those that were sold by Kucharik in the later 70s and early 80s.
You might assume that a retrogrouch would always side with "tradition," but as much as I have a bit of nostalgia for the old leather helmets (I still have a couple of them, but keep them for nothing more than display) this is one area where I think newer really is better.
I remember that ad. And your read on it is great: Most people probably didn't notice the subtle differences between the men's facial expressions.
ReplyDeleteI am not a vintage purist. While I prefer steel frames, handbuilt traditional wheels and pedals with toe clips, some of today's stuff is better. And I certainly agree that anyone who sacrifices head protection for a vintage vibe probably hasn't much besides nostalgia inside his or her head.