In a message dated 1/14/01 7:12:42 PM, bicyclemark@juno.com writes:
<< frameset (Heron) that has gone through a middle-man before being purchased from Rivendell or whomever >>
Herons were designed by Grant Peterson of Rivendell, and built by Waterford to his specs. Originally available only through Riv, then retail outlets were added. Nowadays, Riv is considered a retailer of the Heron in the same manner as the shops that carry them as well. I have a Heron Road, and find it to be a well built, nicely finished frame. The workmanship is good, not on par with the best of the best customs, but nice just the same. Not a lot of filing of the lugs, for example. But they are nicely cast so they don't need much finishing. Originally I built it up with a racing group (all seven speed dura ace) now it is a mutt with a triple crank, long cage Suntour rear, Campy hubs and G40 rims. One buys a Heron, though, for the ride. It is exquisite. As nice a riding bike (if not the nicest) as I have ever ridden, and that includes Colnago, Merckx, Italian Lemond, Vitus, Raleigh, Marinoni, Pogliaghi (plus some more, can't remember them all). I would not hesitate to take my Heron on a 100 mile ride tomorrow. Or stick a large bag on the back and head up the coast to Santa Cruz. Or jump in with the local group ride (without the bag on the back, of course;0) I got the Heron as a test to see if I liked Grant's philosophy on bike fit/ride. If I didn't like it, I thought it would sell easy. I like it a lot. So much so, I have a Riv that will be here in a few months. Mark Rosenberg howtostretch.com