Re: [CR]3Rensho sighting,

(Example: Racing:Jean Robic)

Date: Sun, 06 Apr 2003 17:39:37 -0700
Subject: Re: [CR]3Rensho sighting,
From: "Bainbridge" <gotfleas@earthlink.net>
To: Craig Sandvik <distracticon@yahoo.com>, <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
In-Reply-To: <20030407002013.60805.qmail@web21406.mail.yahoo.com>


on 4/6/03 5:20 PM, Craig Sandvik at distracticon@yahoo.com wrote:
> I was at the Peddler in El Sobrante for their
> swap this morning. They have a 54-cm ctc 3Rensho
> for sale. It's a road frame built with current
> Shimano Ultegra, "never owned, with a scratch
> or two from moving and storage".
>
> I didn't ask seriously about price (it's way
> too small for moi). They said it was
> originally 2k, but they are ready to deal
> to get it off the ceiling.
>
> The event had a decent turnout for a small swap.
> I got a set of spare french-threaded NR BB cups,
> and some other on and off topic goodies. Also
> great weather for a ride out wildcat and the
> Dam road ...
>
> --
> Craig Sandvik
> Berkeley, CA
>
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As long as we are debating the merits of various bicycles, I thought I would throw in my perspective on Yoshi Konos work at San Rensho, which is somewhat unique.

Unknown to most is that the first generation of Specialized Allez frames were built by Yoshi using his stock road geometry, his lugs and initially his offset fork crown. I can attest to the fact that his frames were very consistent, straight & well brazed. I had the opportunity to see hundreds of these bikes and offer this opinion based on what I saw, both finished and unfinished. The guy was meticulous for a small production shop-a real contrast to visits to the many and various places Colnagos were being shopped out to in the mid 80's.

But for my money, the bikes rode like crap. I don't remember the numbers on his front end geometry, but they had terrible oversteer and in a tight corner you could get into real trouble on them, especially if you weighted the handlebars too much.

Take into consideration my personal preferences, which lie squarely in the Masi camp. I thought the San Rensho ride was much less predictable by comparison.

-BB

BRYANT BAINBRIDGE
PORTLAND, OREGON