Over the years I have enjoyed test riding various older steel frame road bikes. Many of these have been the same size and similar top tube measurements etc... I have noted many obvious differences between various frames, that I think, or imagine could be attributed to construction techniques and tubing type or even construction philosophy, but because I have an open mind on these issues I can not be sure what is the causative factor for what characteristics. I have performed no double blind tests, because of the difficulty of doing so. When I compare say a Colnago to a Fuji or a Schwinn Super le Tour, I do not switch cranks, seat posts, seats, stems and bars, wheels and tires for each comparison. Essentially I am shooting in the dark, but I muddle on, attempting to determine what causes what. It helps to read a bit from individual frame builders' interviews, but perhaps their opinions are somewhat biased. It helps to read what others here at Classic Rendezvous write, but now I see there is very little agreement about an issue I thought was settled. I still think I know something about the issues at hand, but experience often proves a better teacher than theory. I have gone through similar developments in my stereo habit, and think I have arrived at a better experience with my tube hybrid amp, handmade audiophile recipe wiring and sand filled stands, but I still benefit a lot from reading the debates on esoteric and mainstream press. I can honestly say that the recent discussions here have been the most interesting (for me) in a long time, and I hope that nobody is inclined to cut it short just because of lack of agreement.
Garth Libre in Miami Shores Fl.