Dear CR brothers and sisters,
Chuck said:
"But I'm not sure I see the point of a current bike with current components that mimicks retro. Maybe the bike is just too hip for its own good?"
I tend to agree with Roman. I like and appreciate the efforts of every one of the custom frame builders (aka keepers) that produce crafted lugged steel (in effect mimicking retro?). The idea that one can buy that level of art, skill in building and then put on it the componentry that you want for whatever reason is dead cool to me. Another point for me is the freedom to express my love for the hobby through that choice, that mix and then best of all, ride it anywhere I want to go!
Have a great day!!
Guy Apple Sunnyvale CA
-----Original Message----- From: Roman Stankus <rstankus@mindspring.com> Sent: Nov 30, 2004 4:29 AM To: chuckschmidt@earthlink.net, classicrendezvous@bikelist.org Subject: RE: [CR]Re: my legnano/my luigino
Chuck,
Is it the Molteni orange that bugs you or the modern parts on a lugged steel frame or both? Just wondering what doesn't work in your mind. What is a "current bike"(per your post)in your mind? Are you still talking lugged steel or something else?
I love the function of new gear and I ride my one modern gear bike (+/-'90 De Rosa) about as much as all my other(5) vintage bikes put together - primarily because of the equipment (function) advantages and safety issues when riding in groups with others at higher speeds. However, I still like the design, the ride, and craft of my older bikes better and if I could get currently built frames with that same old time design character with spacing for modern gear - that's what I'd add to my stable. To me the identity of the bike is heavily weighted to the frame and not the components - so I can see them working together without a conflict in my mind. The cost of a high quality new lugged frame has kept me from doing this yet - but it's just a matter of time. There are a lot of great KOF frame builders out there and I'm looking forward to that project one day. My preference in components will be all alloy(no carbon) modern Campy. Sqirrelling(sp?) that stuff away now.
If I just want to get on the bike and have a fun ride, I currently prefer my not to pristine mid '70's Pinarello with appropriate NR gear. It's got as nice of production frame lugwork I've seen on any bike - although the paint is not so good quality and the decals are falling off fast and almost gone. Its still pretty and has a great ride (58x58 - 73x73 angles).
Roman Stankus Atlanta, Ga.
Maybe the bike is just too hip for its own good? I guess Eddy Merckx is doing the same when he makes his luged oversize tube MX Leader with the Molteni orange paint job with current parts?
I guess I'd rather have a totally current bike and an old bike, but I don't need a current bike that mimicks an old bike.
She said, "Your Momma knows what you need, but I know what you want!"
Chuck Schmidt South Pasadena, Southern California
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