Hello fellow Bates enthusiasts,
A friend of mine recently bought a couple of the new Bates frames, road and track, in the UK and wasn't entirely satisfied with them. While the bikes ride beautifully, I think it was the detailing that he was a bit unhappy with. One of the frames, for instance, did not have the bottom bracket oil hole threaded which is obviously causing a few problems!
It's worth bearing in mind, too, that these are effectively replica frames, albeit of very high quality. The bend in the Diadrant forks on the new frames is significantly different from that in the old frames. My pal, who has two or three original Bates in addition to his two new frames, says the new Diadrant bend is easier to achieve than the old profile and not as nice. Suffice to say that my pal wouldn't swap one of his originals for a new frame even though the old ones can be had for a lot less, at least here in the UK.
As one who is expecting to get a March, 1945 Bates BAR back from the painters tomorrow, I'm just learning about this great marque. Hopefully, my pal's experience of the new frames will be a one-off and I'm sure the bikes offered in America will be well up to scratch.
Cheers, Bruce
> From: Bicycle Classics inc <bikevint@tiac.net>
> Subject: [CR]Bates Frames Comming to the US!
>
> Hi CR folks,
>
> Bicycle Classics is pleased to announce that we are now the exclusive
> supplier of Bates frames in the US. Folks can see the Bates frames on the
> classic rendevous site to see what these frames are all about (our server
> is not happy after the big virus so we don't have Bates info on our site
yet).
>
> Bates frames feature amazing hand-cut lugs - the real thing! Also
featured
> is the proprietary Cantiflex tube set (main tubes flare in the middle) and
> the Diadrant fork. Although these features came out in 1938, the tube set
> really works. These frames have a combination of comfort and stiffeness
> unlike any other we've ridden. A great ride combined with wonderful
> detailing make this a dream bike for the retro enthusiast that wants
> performance and great looks. To top it off, at this time Ron Cooper is
> still the builder. Years from now these frames will probably be
> considered among the most sought after of all collectible British frames.
> Full custom frames cost are currently priced at $2,175. Even better, the
> waiting time is only a few months.
>
> If folks want a racer, a tourer, or something in between we can tailor
this
> frame to meet your needs. Combined with extensive paint options, this
> makes for a great opportunity to create a true one-of-a-kind machine that
> really performs.
>
> Contact us at (303) 516-9871 for more info (or for a real photos if you
> like). Also see us at http://www.bicycleclassics.com
>
> Thanks a bunch! Mike Kone