wheelman@nac.net wrote:
>Yep, I guess this string will go on for a bit longer. I am amused by the
>claims and counter claims on who builds flawed and flawless bikes. Here we
>go again trying to quantify a human factor. How many file marks does it
>take to be called a flaw or poor quality. Now get out those calipers and
>measure all the points on each lug to see who wins the prize on perfect
>symmetry. Next, open up the BB and head tube and look inside. are the
>joints brazed all they way through, if not that is points off. Hey, that
>fastback seat stay arrangement has 2 microns more braze on the left side
>then the right. By the way, the braze ons are not scribed perfectly down
>the center of the tubing and one water bottle cage hole has a sharper
>fillet then the other. Now we can fix most of these with GOBS of paint,
>but wait for those who like file marks we need to thin it out a bit. Just
>make sure it is applied generously around that gap in the lug/tube joint
>so it looks like a perfect flow. Sound ridiculous, then my point is made.
>
>Ray Homiski
>Elizabeth, NJ
>
Well put. (Nearly an "attaboy!")
It always gets pretty strange when it comes down to personal opinion and the diversity of opinions is one of the wealths of this list.
One has to be careful, nearly flawless IS good enough, for only Allah is perfect. Better add a file mark to be safe. Joseph B. Starck, I hope you are reading this ;-)
A few years ago I had stripped a mass produced 60+ year old frame (non-balloon tired) to remove multiple layers of paint. When complete I was shocked at how much tubing was brass coated and the coarse mill file marks that remained acted as a reminder that this was built by a human. Some primer, two coats of colour and the record was gone again, a brief connection between me and the joint clean-up man.
I find myself often accumulating bicycles unworthy of collection, this gives me a somewhat different perspective, it seems that by the '80's the cheaper "Made in Japan" frames are sometimes straighter and better finished than some of the "Made in Italy" frames of the same manufacturer. Historically the "Made in Italy" bikes continue to be worth more, this seems to reinforce in my mind the obvious value of file marks, poor paint prep and thin porous plating.
Marcus Coles
Londo, ON, Canada