<< Which, I have come to conclude, is the problem with this hobby. There is nothing interesting of substance in the filing of lug designs. There are much better media for the demonstration of mastery in metalwork than bicycle frames.
After three years on the list, and attending 3 Cirques, I find I just don't really care about most of the meaningless minutia that some seem to be preoccupied with. The Italian bikes are basically all made the same, whether by some bike god or not. Fancy lugs are not a great human accomplishment, nor is being able to spray a good coat of paint.
The history of bike technology is interesting, but most here never recovered from the love affair created by Campy's marketing department, so not much room for discussion there.
I wish someone could find something interesting to say about vintage bikes, but I haven't heard anything lately. >>
Arrgghh! An arrow into my heart! What a downer! Louis, I think you need a "Vintage Bicycle Intervention"! And this, oh my gosh, after THREE Cirques too!? This is worse than a mid life crisis! Worse than a Priest/Minister/Rabbi losing his faith! Worse than burn out in an emergency room MD! Worse than finding out all eBay sellers are not honest!Worse than.. (OK I have run out of stuff.. Ha ha.)
Anyway, it's too sad and I hope you find a true path in this hobby again.
Dale Brown
Greensboro, NC USA