snipped: Brian Baylis <rocklube@adnc.com> writes: 1) ... frames built for commerce can probably be said to not differ significantly between a single hand and an experienced crew. And if you do build frames alone and they are no better than a crew then why are you building them?? 2) It's all well and good to write this stuff to the list, but when are we going to collectivly undertake some scientific experiments? Brian Baylis
1) your first sentence says you 'agree' with the issue. but-
all frames are built for commerce. you take money for them,
don't you?
and 'better'? that opens up another discussion. i pointed out that
i thnk the bicycle's 'ride' (uh. what's the 'ride'?!) essentially
comes from the frame's design. thus, two frames made
similarly will ride alike. as i wrote, issues regarding fit,
constructon qualities (alignment, longevity...), details,
etcetera, are not part of the question of John L.'s that
i attempted to answer.
why am i building them? i like to build them. it's a
challenge. i need income. i don't want to be someone's
boss.
2) we'll never do it. life will continue to 'get in the way'.
even if there was time, why bother? there will always be
a need and demand for both bespoke <and> off the rack.
price, for many, will always be the issue. sacrificing a little
exclusivity at the expense of the ease of going to the mall
to pick up a new bicycle will continue to be the norm as
it's always been.
there are no concrete answers to this issue of why buy one
over the other. these are emotional choices, not practical
ones.
e-RICHIE
chester, ct