Like the old saw "one man's treasure is another man's trash," grail bikes mean different things to different riders. For some, an antique frame fits the bill, for others it's the latest and greatest (and lightest) plastic wunderbike.
The term "grail bike" is derived from "Holy Grail," describing the ultimate artifact of early Christianity sought during the Middle Ages. Grail bikes tend to hold their value over time and are often unique, rare, or simply difficult to come by.
At this stage of my life, my grail bikes are the classic racers: Colnagos, De Rosas, Pinarellos, Bianchis, and Merckxs,.
NEWS FLASH!!
A grail bike has arrived on my doorstep! It's a late-80s Pinarello Montello road bike, the pinnacle of the maker's craftsmanship in it's time.
It's red (no surprise there) and built with modern Campy components (i.e. Ergo powerlevers and wide-range Chorus rear derailleur.) Like most Pinarellos of its time, it also has peeling/missing decals.
Are grail bikes too "nice" to ride? I'd say "yes" if the bike in question is truly rare or a collector's item, or if the original components would be difficult to replace. The Montello does not fall into any of those categories, so it will be a rider.
Now it's time to thin the herd. I've already sold an unfinished frameset (1986 red Centurion Ironman), and there are two others in the wings, an Ironman Expert and a Paramount OS, waiting prep and sale.
Keep peadling!
Horatio
