Hello,
First let me introduce myself. My name is Forbes Bagatelle-Black. My "involvement" in bicycles started in highschool and I have been in and out of the bicycle industry since. I learned how to build frames while working for Moots Cycles in 1988 (back when they were still building lugged steel frames), and I built a few of my own prototypes in the early 90's. I live in Santa Clarita, CA, outside of Los Angeles.
I had been looking for a good all purpose bicycle for a long time. A few months ago, I purchased a classic Lippy frameset on e-bay for $46! It is a beautifully built frame with very clean lugwork. It has what has come to be known as "triple triangle" geometry, in which the seat stays cross the seat tube and are fillet brazed to the top tube. I am not sure if he did this on all his frames, or just the really big ones (the one I bought is 68cm, and "yes" it fits as I am 6'6").
Does anyone know anything about Lippy frames? A few web searches suggest that he did a lot of tandems. I tracked down the man who I think built the frame, but he does not respond to my e-mails or phone calls, so I assume he has made a clean, solid break with the bicycle-building world. I was hoping to get decals from him, but it looks like I will have to mock-up my own.
Also, I contacted someone at Foes, and he recommended Olympic Powdercoaters in Santa Ana to powdercoat the frame. Their prices are very reasonable and they have been helpful over the phone. Has anyone dealt with them in the past? Any comments about the quality of their work would be appreciated.
With a 2-year-old at home and my wife not pulling in much $$, I have been on an extreme budget. So I have had a lot of fun building frame alignment tools and searching ebay for components. The bike is really coming together now, and I am looking forward to riding the final product.
Thanks in advance for any advice or suggestions.
- Forbes Bagatelle-Black
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