Tom,
I like modern lugged steel bikes built as, or in the spirit of, the classics we ride and collect as much as the next guy. Personally, I don't like the KOF thing at all, insofar as a name for what someone like that is doing. Having a catagory even sort of bothers me, just because it then forces one to decide what is and what isn't.
Most feel it best to keep the line blured, the deffinition lax, and most people confused; so that no one really can figure out what is exceptional work and what is "typical" and clearly acceptable but not exceptional. The fact is that an exceptional paint job pretty much puts almost anything in the "exceptional" catagory in most people's eyes, when in fact the work itself, wheather performed by a newbie or a so called master, is almost always in the typical good work catagory. Add a little hype to the frame and as far as the public goes, it's some sort of masterpiece. This makes some guys (framebuilders) nervous.
Lets leave the deffinition fuzzy. That is what will benifit the most people and what most will want. But also, if you plan to judge and catagorize frames and their design and construction qualities, take the time to really learn something about the process. Learn to see for yourself what is really creative, practical and fucntional, and exceptionally fine or difficult work. Forget the fancy websites and wordy sales pitches and the whole dog and pony show. Disregard the builder's reputation and look with an educated eye yourself at each and every bike and make the decisions on your own. The more advertising you see, the more the builder beats their chest, the more likely they are not all that they seem. That's my opinion from what I've seen in marketing and life in general. Look for a real framebuilder, not a slick salesman.
Never mind the deffinitions. Learn for yourself what is real.
Brian Baylis La Mesa, CA Trying not to step on any toes while wearing a pair of giant steel-toed clown shoes. It aint easy!
Folks, let's us not embark on defining KOF too closely . Jonathan Greene submitted a pretty impressive list of bicycles and another took issue with what were KOF bikes on it...this very respected member spaketh "I think we
should get back to what this list is about classic lightweight
bicycles built before 1984. If you want to talk about cool lugged
steel frames built after 1984 that should be a separate list."
Well so speaketh I..."Let us not define all the fun out of this hobby...Leave off narrow definitions...They are exclusionary rather than inclusive and only cause unhappiness". One person's KOF may not be another's...unless it becomes a problem, why strive to make it one? Let it be.
Tom Sanders
Lansing, Mi