My Witcomb USA project was so successful I bought this frame for a workhorse to preserve the Witcomb. Typical CR response to any problem- buy another bike.
Does anyone know anything about the builder- Sparrow in Missoula, Montana? Kind of off the beaten track in terms of building a reputation.
The Jim Redcay is progressing well at Spectrum Cycles. Jeff Duser called me to discuss some of the details. Because the bike had stainless lugs, regular cable guides and probably 50K miles the top tube was corroded under the paint. Since I was going to have the brake cable run through the frame to match the derailleur cables, the decision was made to replace the top tube entirely. Jeff felt it was easier to install the cable tube and I figured it gave the best chance to fight corrosion at the lug/paint interface.
Jeff worked with Jim, both at Redcay's shop and I think at Ross. I guess that adds an additional element of authenticity to the renovation.
Also it would seem that Spectrum does not have much of a backlog as they started this within two weeks of receipt. On the other hand, Peter Weigle is not really seeking repair work except on his own frames and Witcombs. He moved to a new shop and is backlogged on his frame production.
Joe Bender-Zanoni
Ann Arbor, MI