I know that he either owned or worked out of a store called "New Era," full name Dennis Sparrow. A friend of mine worked there for a while in the late 70's, said it was a cut above the norm for the time as far as standards for mechanical work. Didn't know about building frames there, that may have happened later.
David Feldman
----------
>From: Joseph Bender-Zanoni <jfbender@umich.edu>
>To: Classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
>Subject: [Classicrendezvous] Sparrow Touring Frame and Redcay Refurb
>Date: Mon, Oct 16, 2000, 9:18 AM
>
>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.
>
>http://ebay.com/<blah>
>
>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