This thread skirts the edge of many other conversations re what it is that we like about bikes. Seems to me we each answer that question differently. And sometimes we bend our own standards when we convince ourselves we want something enough.....
I get the intrinsic stuff that Singer presents. All the history and the cool parts - the ones you can point to that arent on most all the other bikes we seem to discuss/like, make up for some lack of attention to detailing apparent in Dirk Feeken's pictures.
The argument for a magic carpet ride is a tough one to make and seems to give those who make it an edge thats a bit unfair. That is, if one has never ridden a Singer than how can you agree or disagree? Im not discounting Jan or for that matter Mark Petry's comments about the superb ride of their Singers. But just because they and others say so does that mean its an attribute on the list that we should count on if we plunk down our cash? Would we agree after the bike arrived? Thats a gamble.
I love reading Jans posts and his magazine, but its not hard to dedeuce that he rides a lot and so much, that as the engine behind the machine, his comments about how fast he goes on his Singer (as distinct from how fast his Singers go) is well, er, suspect - I mean that respectfully. Really. Please.
At the risk of sounding utterly ignorant, naive or raising some eyebrows of another kind - heres a question for the list:
Most of us would be aware that the other country in the world that is as crazy about french styled bikes (as the the French) is Japan. And most of us would know that there are some very pretty French styled bikes with all the right appurtenances being made in Japan. Living close to Jitensa Studio in Berkekely, some of us have the luxury of being able to see these. Toei, Watanabe are names that come to mind. Of the several Ive seen at Hiroshi's there is no compromise required. Understated in the french way to be sure. Nothing flamboyant, mellow colors. All the requisite parts in all the right places. But no globs of brass, no half polished steel under chrome, no wibble wobbles or wandering edges or paint lines.
Prices are better.
Who knows about the rides?
Mojo less, EXCEPT among the largest collectors of these things in the world - where apparently the mojo may equal (french marques).
What do we know about these guys?
Tom Rawson
Oakland, CA