Hi to all,
Agree it's always debateable with later versions of original themes, (thanks for the kind reference Bruce). I can only speak on my own behalf and I will try and explain my involvement. I grew up riding classic bikes. My first bike was a Bates BAR and I owned some beautiful marques including an all chrome Hetchins Road/Track Magnum Opus. My father left me his Italianate and I decided to restore it, this sparked a new interest and set me on the collecting/restoration trail. I was back into riding and started club racing etc again and loved it.
From this began an obsession to own and ride a Hetchins again, this was pushed by the theft of an Olmo and an insurance payout. I had been corresponding with David Miller for several years before I actually purchased a new Hetchins. I then made the return to England to visit family and attend a Hetchins weekend. David Miller kindly showed me unbelievable hospitality and warmth. Without him the weekend would have been still a dream. From this friendship the agreement to build in Australia was born.
I am 100% dedicated to quality and want to return to the original lug patterns of yesteryear. I sourced one of the best frame-builders in the World to be involved in this project with me. He is probably 4 x the build cost of other local builders, but a Perfectionist. The Painter is also very expensive but a genius, being into vintage car and motorbike restoration. I have sourced the best Chrome. All in all the first frame took 2 years to build! If it were to be sold I would make $100.00 Australian! It is a love for me and the profit is in the main business suicide!
I do feel however that the new technologies and techniques produce a better frame than that of yesteryear. The equipment is far superior, sorry guys I love the Super Record look but the ergo rides better by far. I have a few original and want more but to pay silly prices for something that will be possibly rusting and past it's used-by date is not something I want to do. The Hetchins I currently ride that was made in England (sorry it's not 531) is a dream and very responsive.
I have no reason to question Omega quality but there seems to be more to question here. sorry for the long inclusion but it might help to clarify where I'm coming from. Clive Rodell.