[CR]Why I want to MAKE reproductions.

(Example: Production Builders:Peugeot:PX-10LE)

Date: Sat, 22 Feb 2003 10:08:14 -0800
From: "Brandon Ives" <monkeylad@mac.com>
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Subject: [CR]Why I want to MAKE reproductions.

Pretty much everyone has been talking about why they would, or would not, buy a reproduction. I think I should present the other side of the equation. To start out I've got to say reproducing bikes that can be widely available on the used market seems kinda silly. As Chuck points out it's generally more expensive to buy a reproduction than an original. Add that rarely does a week go buy where you don't see a variety of Masi, Colnago, Hetchins, etc. . . bikes or frames on sale on Ebay or other on-line sources for reasonable prices. Sure if you want something brand new or are a hard to fit size a reproduction may be the only way to go. This is nothing to try and build a business on.

When it comes to bikes like Herse, Singer, Sun, Thanet and other rare or expensive makes reproduction is a viable option. There are a few of paths to go with reproductions. The most common is straight reproduction where you're making as close to the same product just 20+ years later. There's also the method of making a bike that looks just like the original, but uses modern parts and building methods. There's also the path of building something that replicates the ride of the original. Personally I'm shooting for something between the second and third methods. I'm interested in the ride of the older bikes and how to make them ride better. I also want to experience the methods of the past. This is still nothing to build a business on. People like myself are doing it and trying to capture a bit of the past on a much more core level than buying the original product. Everybody who works on their own bike knows how much closer that brings you to the bike. Just like I think everybody should lean to build their own wheels. I also think everybody should build their own frame. ciao, Brandon"monkeyman"Ives Going surfing for the first time in 3 months in Santa Barbara, Calif.