[CR]An Introduction

(Example: Framebuilders:Alex Singer)

From: "David Beck" <db@h3odesign.com>
To: <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
Date: Sat, 20 Jan 2007 18:02:47 -0600
Thread-Index: Acc873Osrg3wCBBTQa2M8NCuC50f7w==
Subject: [CR]An Introduction

Hello all.

My name is David Beck, I live in Crystal Lake, IL, a NW suburb of Chicago, and I am obviously new to the list. I have been lurking for a while and I am very impressed with the amount of knowledge displayed by the members of the list. I didn\u2019t introduce myself earlier because although I am an avid cyclist, my only bicycle was a modern plastic and tig-welded one. I know, I know, not another word about it other than it is a very nice bike. That all changed earlier this week when my two vintage jewels arrived.

The first is an Olmo frame I purchased from Tom Hayes. He dated it from the late 50s to the early 60s based on the components. The condition is pretty beat-up and I am on the fence about repainting it, it will really depend on how it looks after I clean it up. I generally like to leave things original but that is sometimes a judgment call. The lugs are very ornate, especially the head lugs, more so than I have seen on other Olmos. I read in the archives that Olmo and other manufacturers tarted-up their mid- to low-end models with fancier lugs. The difference with this one is that they are real lugs, they are not cast or welded as indicated in the archives. I will probably build it as a fixie with my recently acquired extra parts.

A good word about Tom. He accidentally sent me a set of rims while sending a different David my frame. He was very quick and generous in resolving the issue. Tom has very high standards in customer service. Thank you.

The second and probably the crowning jewel (no offence to the Olmo) is a 1960 Cinelli Model B frame I won on ebay from Kim Klakow. Yes, I did spend a lot of money and I could not be more pleased. I could not get more enjoyment spending the money any other way and I do enjoy a good tequila. A neighbor had a 1960s SC 30+ years ago when I was a kid. I always wanted that bike and Kim provided me with a golden opportunity. The condition is very good and it will be kept as original as possible. I also purchased the original wheelset (Atom hubs on Weinmann rims with a 4-speed freewheel) and the cranks, pedals, bottom bracket and rear derailleur (Huret TdF). I am building a \u201crace\u201d wheelset for it also and I have a nice steel Cinelli non-badged stem and bars with Universal brakes (Kim kept the original Barilla brakes for himself).

A good word about Kim. He was VERY patient with my anxiety. My experience with Deutsche Post was terrible. Their tracking system did not work at all and my repeated emails concerning the frame and their tracking system were ignored. My German may be rusty, but I got my point across. Kim probably went to his post office several times to check on the frame\u2019s status. Thank you.

You can see some quick pics of the frames here.

http://www.h3odesign.com/cinelli.html

I will post more and better pictures when the bikes are completed.

I am obviously a newbie when it comes to vintage bicycles and my knowledge is pretty thin. Your patience with me will be appreciated. My background is in new product development in the medical device industry and before that I spent several years repairing and restoring vintage race cars; mostly Jaguars from the 1950s, Cobras and GT-40s from the 1960s and Porsches from the 1970s. Please don\u2019t hesitate to contact me off list if you have any questions in these areas, I can contribute in that manner.

Finally, a small WTB. I have a Campagnolo seatpost for the Cinelli but I have been told it probably originally had a simple, chromed-steel domed post. If anyone has a period correct, 26.2 post to sell, please contact me off list. Thank you.

Best regards,

David Beck

Crystal Lake, IL USA

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