[CR]Since you asked

(Example: Bike Shops:R.E.W. Reynolds)

Date: Thu, 01 Mar 2001 17:56:41 -0800
From: "Brian Baylis" <rocklube@adnc.com>
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Subject: [CR]Since you asked

Dear listmembers,

There have been two primary questions that people have asked thru private email asking for a more detailed explaination of some of my statements about painting and frame construction. I honestly don't have time to answer this many technical questions individually, but can do a "class action" explaination if you want.

I don't want to go on like an infomercial, but I can explain some things if everyone is interested. I am actually considerably less free with my "painting secrets", partially on account of what was discussed in the last post. Paint and graphics are actually more important than a certain amount of framebuilding ability unfortunately. You can't make a silk purse out of a sows ear in some cases; but frequently, bikes built by relative novices look much better than they were actually constructed. I can literally think of only one frame I ever painted that was hopeless.

Some wanted me to be more specific (since I keep sticking my foot in my mouth) about this "what I see when I look at a frame" thing. I had to think for a while as to how that might be accomplished. I will propose it, if it doesn't sound like a good idea then we'll scrap it.

My personal method is basically to go over every operation in the building process and get a feel for how well it was execuited, what kind of innovations or special treatments are on the frame(if any), note any obvious errors(ethier by being there or of ommission), rate the practicality of the design, note any elements of "style" that are present (more personal opinion), judge the graphics and paint(again a certain amount of personal opinion), account for "charm" as determined by any special elements of reputation, history, rarity, and if the builder is known to you(or me in this case)how their personality is incorperated in the frame. Obviously none of these things are about the "ride" of the bike. I'll avoid that in this dicsussion because it is a seperate and lengthy topic in itself. Now that I think of it, it's actually quite simple. If you like it and it works, then it's good. There, done.

I'd be curious to see if anyone else is thinking of the same "guinea pig" for this experiment that I am. I believe I have the perfect choice.

Well?

Brian Baylis
LaLa Land