Re: [CR]Constructeurs? NOW Wave of the future

(Example: Production Builders)

From: "Olof Stroh" <olof@stroh.nu>
To: <hersefan@comcast.net>, <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
References: <111320051611.22280.437765CF0007FA00000057082200761064020E000A9C9D0A08@comcast.net>
Subject: Re: [CR]Constructeurs? NOW Wave of the future
Date: Sun, 13 Nov 2005 18:01:05 +0100


Mike Kone wrote:
> Grant's bikes were an effort to solve some of the problems, but his non-integrated approach makes the bike's use combersome. Rear bags hanging off seats (hitting the riders behind), zip-tied fenders, no provision for internal lighting systems. Sure his bikes address the issues in a roundabout way, but but the whole is ungainly and not as seemless to the rider.
>
> The construteur approach gets it all in a nice package with no excuses. And the advantage is the constructeur bike offers endless opportunties for the craftsmanship and innovation that folks like Peter Weigle, Bruce Gordon - and shorty Brian Baylis can wow us with. ______________________________________ Mike et al, of course Mike is - in many ways - right and the constructeur has his own possibilities to really show and make something fantastic and I read "The Golden Age.." with as much joy as any of you. Nevetheless as an avid tourer and an owner of both a custom Riv and a Heron Touring and a few on topic bikes that get ridden I wonder if you can´t go to far. The constructeur approach comes with a price both in money and in lack of versatility. It is sometimes good to be able to change wheels, racks, lights after different needs and uses and over time!

I would like to fight a small battle for the well-thought-out, versatile, well-prepared bike that may take different shapes with standard equipement and develope with its master.

That doesn´t at all hinder a touring/audax/commuter approach!

It also means that a good bicycle designer should not only put his abilities to the frame but to the other (_all_ the other) parts as well. And their interaction.

yours obedient

Olof Stroh
Uppsala Sweden