Custom vs. Stock bikes (Was:Re: Subject: Re: [CR]Kellogg/Spectrum Steel Bikes)

(Example: Framebuilding:Tubing:Falck)

From: "Thomas R. Adams, Jr." <KCTOMMY@msn.com>
To: "Classicrendezvous_1" <Classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
Subject: Custom vs. Stock bikes (Was:Re: Subject: Re: [CR]Kellogg/Spectrum Steel Bikes)
Date: Thu, 21 Nov 2002 05:16:16 -0600

The kicker of course is that the bikes are absolutely identical in geometry, materials and skill of assembly. If you happen to be perfectly average in your proportions, maybe the factory ride fits to a T, but I wonder how often that happens? For example, how often does a Sachs or Baylis roll out the door with every parameter a perfect match to a factory bike's specs? I would bet that a substantial majority of custom bikes are tweaked in one dimension or another to fit the customer, and so are arguably "better" than factory.

Do any of us have two bikes that ride "identically"? The whole matter of subjective riding impressions has so many variables that I don't suppose there has ever been two bikes that rode exactly alike. Just as an unscientific anectodal example, I've recently been putting some miles on a mid 70's Benotto. The ride seems extremely plush, while still being a fast handling bike. The next day I rode my PX 10, and I noticed more road shock coming through the handlebars. This in spite of the slacker head angle, more generous fork rake,smaller gauge French tubing, and flexier bar/stem combo on the Peugeot. All the variables would indicate that the PX 10 should have a softer ride, but no.

I like Brian's idea of a blind testing procedure. I suppose the bikes would have to be painted the same color and not identified in any way visible to the rider. The riders could take several short spins on each bike in a random order, and you could see if the riders could tell one bike from the other. If the bikes rode the same, the guesses on which bike they are riding at any one time would be randomly distributed. But how do you make sure the riders can't visually tell one bike from another? A minute tear in a brake hood, a variation in the bar tape, slightly longer cable housings or some other small item would make it possible for the riders to tell one bike from another and ruin the experiment. You could have them ride blindfolded, I guess, but that would cut down on the pool of volunteer test subjects. And of course you'd need to put a steepish hill on the ride route so the frames can be pushed closer to their limits. A great idea, but pretty hard to carry out with scientific rigor.

Tom Adams, Kansas City

From: Curtistex@aol.com Sent: Wednesday, November 20, 2002 10:47 PM To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org Subject: Subject: Re: [CR]Kellogg/Spectrum Steel Bikes

John Lehoczky <john_lehoczky@yahoo.com> writes:

"I'd be curious to responses by list members - are "custom" bikes that much better riding than high quality "factory" ones, or is there no noticeable difference once a factory bike is set up properly?"

"if both examples have the same exact dimensions they will ride the same. construction qualities and attention to details, both inside and out, will vary and affect 'feel' and longevity. but they will still go down the road similarly. if your position atop either is a mirror image, the answer is that there 'should' be no noticeable differences."
e-RICHIE
chester, ct