Curt et al,
I think it's a matter of taste; for which there can be no accounting.
I personally like to live in the moment. If I were going to plop down a big wad of cash on a frame I would choose a builder whose work will become legendary in the future.
And I think this makes sense. Most everything that is being built today is better than that which came before. Cars are better. Dishwashers are better. And bike frames are better too.
Take old school designs and techniques like lugs and brazing and mix them with modern materials and craftsmanship and the result is magical.
If it was 1954 and I was living in Paris, I'd probably go to Herse.
Today, I'd choose a builder with these two qualities:
1) The ability to deliver the goods - talk is cheap - the wherewithal to deliver is priceless
2) The willingness to be paid to take direction from me regarding what I want - if I want a 36mm headtube, then build it with a 36mm headtube
Am I describing a replica or an original? I can't decide.
Matthew Grimm Shakopee, Minnesota, USA
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