[CR] Modern Classic's Retro Style

(Example: Production Builders:Peugeot:PY-10)

Date: Fri, 31 Dec 2004 17:26:14 +0000 (GMT)
From: "Michael Butler" <pariscycles@yahoo.co.uk>
Subject: [CR] Modern Classic's Retro Style
To: CR Rendezvous <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>


Several companies have tried this in the UK. There was the rebirth of Paris cycles started by Mike Kemp which only had limited sucess. Hetchins by Bob Jackson and whoever owns it now. Flying Gate by Trevor Jarvis and the excelent modern day Bates built by I think Classic Cycles. The last being wonderful machines but they always were whether built at Comely Bank or Southend and the retro ones are equally as good. A tribute to the workmanship of this modern day firm. But as Hilary Stone always said a Bates rides like a modern day machine so this is probably their lastin appeal. I attend numerous cycling events throughout the United Kingdom but one hardly ever sees these modern retros and I often ask myself why bother when you can pick up a Stratton, Philbrook, Cooper for a modest sum in Great Britain. Plus you have the benifit of years of experience from these builders. These three have built literally thousands of frames between them and as they say practice makes perfect. Why risk going to a small time builder who has only built a handfull of frames in his life and was probably not his stocking trade to start with? My advice would be to stick to the builders who have been at it all their life be they Italian, American or British and you won't go wrong and stick to the origianals unless you want something extrodinary like a modern Bates etc.

Thats all for now. Keep those wheels spinning, in your memories if not still on the road. Be lucky Mick Butler Huntingdon UK.