Re: [CR]Snobbery

(Example: Humor:John Pergolizzi)

From: <"brianbaylis@juno.com">
Date: Fri, 17 Jun 2005 16:59:10 GMT
To: raydobbins2003@yahoo.com
Subject: Re: [CR]Snobbery
cc: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org

Ray,

You guys are correct. We are here to preserve and passon these classic bikes. There is no doubt in my mind that there will be a lot of nice classics available for future generations to enjoy, thanks to us.

I collect and ride the classics because, like most everyone else. Each of us has the right to ride or not to ride any or all bikes in their care and possesion. None of has the right to pass judgement upon the choices of others. Personally, the only bike I have that I haven't ridden are ones that I haven't gotten around to getting road ready. All in good time; although the pile continues to grow at an alarming rate.

As with current classics, the future generations will also be looking at what the small handmade builders were doing in our present age. My personal reason for building frames and the reason why I focus primariliy on frames with "vintage" tubes and lugs (although a bike built the way I do is still the same thing even with modern materials of lugs and steel) is to preserve the part of the framebuilding craft that allowed the framebuilder to leave his fingerprint on the work, much more so that the typical frame of today. My intention is to build unusual custom frames with high craftmanship and mucho MOJO. It's fun, challangeing, and satisfying; if not particulary profitable. I hope future generations can appreciate and enjoy my perspective on framebuilding. The present generation can only do so if they apply patience and determination to obtain one for themselves in their lifetime. Life is tough.

Brian Baylis La Mesa, CA Absolutely buried in work to do on super cool bikes of every sort, and actually making progress.


-- Raymond Dobbins wrote:


thanks to jay van de velde for his post. it's good to know i'm not the only one who has a few special bikes which are now seldom ridden, but which are, almost on a daily basis, lovingly admired for their beauty and cherished for the memories they bring. i do not contemplate my wall-hangers for their resale value.

i particularly liked jay's point about preserving these bikes for future generations to discover. personally, i harbor the hope that my son, who is going on 10, will one day inherit my bikes and enjoy them like i do (including riding them on very special occasions), until he can pass them on to his children. i can only hope he doesn't put them on ebay the day after i die, but even if he does, the new owners will likely be people who will wish to continue the stewardship of some very special and well preserved bikes.

i don't knock anybody who chooses to ride on a regular basis a bike which is irreplaceable. unfortunately too many people criticize those of us who choose not to. but in the end, it's really not that big a deal because it's just their opinion, which they are entitled to.

in the meantime, while i can, i will continue to enjoy my hobby of collecting classic lightweights (and photographing them to share with others at http://www.raydobbins.com), while i unashamedly enjoy a carbon fiber framed, indexed shifting, and clipless pedaled bike as a daily rider.

ray dobbins
miami florida