Richard,
The only thing I can say here is that by 1979 and your first trip, things had changed drastically in Italy regarding framebuilding. We're talking about 1954 on this frame. I suspect, and research might confirm, that it was more like our "vision" at that time. The "magic era" closed in about 1974 by my standards. As one progresses backwards from there things are more like our fairytale impressions of classic framebuilding. When did Faliero quit making frames, both assisted and unassisted? Let's find out. I have the luxury of NOT having my vision demolished by the realities of framebuilding in Italy post 1979. I'm living the vision I've always had, it's intact completely. I let go of my beliefs about how it was done by our mentors long ago; but it was considerably after my philosophy and habits in framebuilding solidified. I guess that may be why I'm more willing to entertain the literal meaning of the letter.
Masis beckoning.
Brian Baylis
La Mesa (fairytale land of framebuilding), CA
>
> i 'build' my frames. brian 'builds' AND paints his frames.
> others in the states do similarly. fwiw, when i was new
> to all this, i wanted so much to believe that this was the
> case overseas as well because all my role models were there.
> but by 1979 while in italy for trip #1, i was astonished by
> the CONTRAST between what i expected (and what brian,
> myself, and others here do...), that all i can say is the only
> similarity is that the end-product is a bicycle frame. 'their'
> approach to the manufacture of it, the methodology of it all,
> the tassk assignments, the focus of each/every operation,
> etcetera, as well as the notion that the product is (possibly)
> sullied because it was subbed out or similar...everything about
> what and how they do what they do is nearly 180 degrees
> from what i (then) expected and what (i suspect) folks still
> expect was the case. four-plus trips to italy later and countless
> years have served to reinforce these feelings rather than suppress
> them. one method is certainly no better than the other. but there
> are at least two paths to take.
> e-RICHIE
> Richard Sachs Cycles
> No.9, North Main Street
> Chester, CT 06412 USA
> http://www.richardsachs.com
> Tel. 860.526.2059
>
> On Wed, 6 Nov 2002 12:54:27 EST DTSHIFTER@aol.com writes:
> > Richard,
> >
> > In a message dated 11/6/02 12:18:21 PM, richardsachs@juno.com
> > writes:
> >
> > << what we call 'building'
> > and what they call 'building' are, more often than not, two
> > different animals. >>
> >
> > Would you care to elaborate on this? Sounds culturally
> > interesting!??!
> >
> > Thanks,
> >
> > Chuck Brooks
> > Malta (snowed last night!) NY