I too have found this topic to be very interesting, and much along the lines of my own contemplation about different types of frame building. We have heard opinions from artists and technicians, pertaining to aesthetics and technical practicality and finesse, and each has their own merits. I'd like to take a look at my "mongrel" (Dale's talent for expression) and share some mostly subjective conclusions. After all, it is about the bike, isn't it? Made by a sometimes keeper of the flame and an heir to excellent Italian tradition, Irio Tommasini, and purchased when I was participating in mountain road races held in Japan, so I wanted a very light frame. The frame is basicly tig welded, except for the seat lug which is a standard one that he often uses, and very attractive I can add. The paint job is quite good and pretty, as is the lettering and placement of the decals. The bb shell has 'Handmade in Italy' incised into it. The headbadge is a gorgeous painted metal design, and another reason why I went for this mostly tig model, as his all lugged frames at the time had only a decal for the badge. The bike is now set up as a fixed gear with brakes, all the components being Italian and on topic, as well as the rims. As I look at the bike, I see what strikes me as a very high quality item with a overall flavorful design, and the ride is great. I have logged more miles on this bike since I built it up than any other one I have owned, and it still continues to be my favorite ride. Now getting to the heart of the matter of this post, the tig welds visually bother me. The contradiction is in that I see where every aspect of the frame appears to have been made with the intention of being attractive, and is successful in this regard, except that the tig welds are not attractive. The aesthetics seem to stop there, it is dead space visually, and my eye hungers. The welds are good, I have a certification in stainless steel tig welding, and I well appreciate what skill is required to hold the torch in one hand and the filler rod in another and achieve a consistent bead around a circumference as you both melt and add metal at the same time. The reason why many companies now employ robotocs when doing tig, along with the time savings factor. I see where the welds started and stopped, the slight inconsistencies that speak of the human hand at work, but in harmony with the lines of the components and the the rest of the frame, appealing they are not. My eye wants to see something more attractive where those welds are, something that speaks more for the wonders and personality of design, however minimalist it might be. I love this bike, it is a fast sucker, and countless hours of riding enjoyment has been my reward for purchasing it, but had I to do it over again, I would have purchased the all lugged model. It isn't hurting for soul, but I miss the offering of visual creativity at the joints.
Dennis Young Hotaka, Japan
> This is an interesting topic. I don't know how it started but it sure
> has generated some lively debate. I dig a beautifully executed lugged
> frame as much as you all, and I hope to try my hand at it soon. Dale
> eloquently provided his opinion, which I can relate to, and I can
> understand most others' as well, HOWEVER, (and pardon my lack of
> eloquence) bicycles are for riding, and I think that whatever gets
> someone out on a bicycle is a good thing. TIG, lugs, carbon,
> aluminum.....whatever. I remember being a campy and eyetalian snob
> until I learned how to make bikes (by the TIG method). I don't
> necessarily like all methods, but I can appreciate them for what there
> are because they get people RIDING. I have been car-less for two years
> now and my attitude about THE BICYCLE has undergone a profound change.
> It's not just a hobby anymore. It's my life. I may be flamed for this,
> but get your asses out there and ride.