[CR]British Bike Book

(Example: Framebuilders:Alberto Masi)

Date: Mon, 14 Mar 2005 13:42:50 -0800
From: "Chuck Schmidt" <chuckschmidt@earthlink.net>
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
References: <4235E64F.C220023F@earthlink.net>
Subject: [CR]British Bike Book

Steve Chambers wrote:
> great to see such a book in the 'offing' but do you realise how massive
> the subject is? if it is to list all the makers like Erwin Tragach's?
> motorcycle encyclopedia it would be huge. (snip)

and

Mick Butler wrote:
> I think Dales CR site is wonderful and why not expand on
> something along those lines on the web.
> Ideally makers name. Date firm started and ended. Address. Frame numbering
> system and location of numbers. Transfers (decals) picture. Brief history etc.

I think, based on the "bottom-feeder" tendencies of the typical bike collector, that a huge coffee table book selling for $200 to $300 is highly unlikely. Even a more modest coffee table book with 300 color photos selling for $50 isn't going to happen either (can you imagine 300 photo choices to cover the spectrum of Brit bikes? Me neither!).

I do think this could happen electronically. A web site with a template page for people to plug in what they know about their local builder and their jpegs of the bikes would work. Also for whoever wants one, the ability to print out a color hard copy to read and refer to rather than staring into a monitor (I'll take the "book" version thank you).

All that is required is the commitment from the people who have the desire for this to happen. Cautionary tale follows... http://www.bres.boothbay.k12.me.us/wq/nnash/WebQuest/little_red_hen.htm

Chuck "been there done that" Schmidt South Pasadena, Southern California, Southwestern USA

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