Good Morning, Campers!
I have been super busy lately and I haven't been able to join everyone in Dales' living room as much as I would like. I'm aslo behind on communications with a lot of business matters, but I NEED to take a few minutes here to add a little something about the "Frame/Mojo" issue. I basically stated that details and handwork are the cornerstone of building Mojo into a custom handmade bicycle frame. One of the marvelous things about frames, lugged steel ones in particular, is that they afford the builder infinite options for styling and adding details to frames. I just recieved a new Richard Moon frame for painting, and I have to tell everyone about a few things that probably only Richard Moon and myself have the pleasure to see and fully appreciate. Since I will be committing the crime of painting over this incredible piece of metalworking, it is my duty to describe it to everyone so that it does not go largely unappreciated. There are so few occassions that I see a frame that is a crime to paint, but Richards' work is so distinct and crisp and finely detailed, that it is a monumental challange to paint such a work in a way that will enhance the creation underneith. I will do my best! Fortunately, the lugs have been thinned very nicely and all of the lug edges are a perfect 90 degrees to the tube and razor sharp. This kind of work allows me to do my best work as well; not only is it inspirational to look at but I'm personally proud to add to Richards' unique display of talent.
I must ammend or clarify one statement I said regarding lugs and Mojo in my previous post. One does not see too many frames built using investment cast lugs as a foundation that really exhibit individuality on a completed frame. Often the purpose of using IC lugs is to quickly and easily produce a product that is consistant in quality and appearance. Most of the time the IC lug also eliminates nearly all handwork on the lugs if the builder chooses to do so. Some builders thin the lugs which is nice, but don't alter the profile much if any. Richard Moon treats IC lugs almost like blanks, exactly like I'm working with the Pacenti lugs, to create simple (sort of) and unique lug patterns that are often cut from Columbus IC lugs. His thinning and detailing show a very keen eye for nice curves and consistant sculpturing of lugs. There are many ways and styles to finish lugs and I like the even thickness lug edge with filing that relieves the crotches of the lug intersections with a gentle curve. Richard does this well.
The lugs are really magnificent. The time spent and passion invested ooze from this frame. But much of the design and detailing on this frame is concentrated in the fork crown and the fastback stay treatment. I mentioned how a bike and lugset should have a "theme". I think Richard learned this from me, but if not, he still understands this concept. There is a design that appears at the fastback junction of the stays at the binder that is also repeated in the chainstay sockets of the BB shell. One MUST appreciate his concept, probably worked out in conjunction with the customer, and displayed as pure genius on this frame. The lugs are petite, nothing was added to the lugs; the design was cut entirely from the original lug. Very nice.
My favorite part of this frame is the fork crown. It began life as a standard Vaugner(?) crown. They are nice except underneith, where Richard did a stellar job of covering it. He did a nicely concaved bottom that is even more work than I normally do on these. Too bad I covered the thing with paint, it was really cool to see how he went about it. Major Mojo in my book. But it doesn't stop there! The top of this crown was flat where many of these crowns have a "chevron" flycut in the top from the factory. Richard did his own chevron that looks almost like the original, but not quite. A keen eye will see the difference. But most impressive are the three holes of different diameters MILLED into the chevron with a center cutting end mill bits. Hily smoke, Richard! That theme is carried out on the inside of the fork tangs and under the bottoms of each lug. This is how one handmakes a frame. In this case beginning with IC lugs does not detract from the outcome. He has successfully Mojoed the hell out of these parts. The lucky owner of this frame is listmember Tom Rawson. I know a certain amount of what involvement Tom had in creating this magnificent frame. It is light, and supremely beautiful, and I'm sure Tom will enjoy this frame for the rest of his life. Congratulations, Tom!
Frames like this are rarely produced in numbers greater than a few per year. Each year, true keepers of the flame build frames like this for the pure satisfaction and accomplishment of doing so. The owners of the bikes take possesion of a very personal part of the craftsman when a frame like this is delivered. When the customer calls for the first time and tells you how fantastic it rides and how perfectly it fits your work is then complete. Your purpose has been served and the reward is now in the form of having a special friend in a customer who truely appreciates what you have done. You can't put a price on that. There are very few builders who put this much thought and effort into a custom frame. It warms my heart, and blows my dress up, to see these things being made and ridden. The flame still burns in California, for sure. Look for this bike to be at Velo Rendezvous this comming October in Pasadena, CA
Now, to peel this dress off my face so I can see!
Brian Baylis La Mesa, CA Crap! Not enough time to do everything. But I REALLY love it!