[CR]Bates frames-again

(Example: Component Manufacturers:Campagnolo)

From: "brucerobbins" <brucerobbins@supanet.com>
To: <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
Date: Mon, 1 Oct 2001 00:51:50 +0100
Subject: [CR]Bates frames-again

Ray,

Sorry to have upset you so much. All I was doing was passing on to the list some serious concerns a friend had about a new Bates frame he bought. I appreciate you were involved in this deal in some form but I deliberately chose not to mention you.

As I said to Martin Coopland of Classic Bikes in a very pleasant and civil chat on the telephone the other night, I'm sure there will be no trouble at all with the any of the new Bates frames he's now producing.

Your additional Bates info is much appreciated.

Bruce

From Ray Etherton:
> Oh how I love these 'second hand information experts'
> For your information Mr. Robbins the following are FACTS.....
> Firstly, whilst 'learning about this great marque' then I suggest you learn a
> few more facts relevant to your 'friend's Bates frames' and their supposed
> shortcomings.
> For the record all cast bottom brackets used in production are at least 30
> years old, and are supplied threaded 2 BA by the suppliers Messrs Haden Bros
> of Birmingham, England. After painting this thread needs to be cleaned again.
> Your 'friend' arranged for his own painting.
> This cleaning, I assume was not done.
> Secondly, there are at least 6 different Bates Diadrant fork rakes to my
> knowledge.
> The rake has decreased over the years to meet modern geometry requirements.
> Additionally the 'bend design' changed accordingly.
>
> In the future,I suggest that you fully acquaint yourself with ALL the facts
> before making potentially damaging statements on the CR.
> Thank you
> Ray Etherton