RE: [CR]Reason for asking about 'racing angles'

(Example: History:Norris Lockley)

Subject: RE: [CR]Reason for asking about 'racing angles'
Date: Fri, 16 Mar 2007 19:42:13 -0700
In-Reply-To: <20070316214153.6C69486ADD@cal1-1.us4.outblaze.com>
Content-class: urn:content-classes:message
Thread-Topic: [CR]Reason for asking about 'racing angles'
Thread-Index: AcdoFAAxbfLe4RtXQmmHSbq07hOa2QAJUaQg
References: <20070316214153.6C69486ADD@cal1-1.us4.outblaze.com>
From: "Mark Bulgier" <Mark@bulgier.net>
To: "John Redman" <johnredman@bikerider.com>, <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>


John Redman wrote: [snipped]
> The reason is that I, several months ago, bought an original
> set of 531 SL tubes. The other day, I bought this very neat
> set of lugs but they are "racing angles".
> I'm 63 and don't race but I ride horrible distances at a time.
> Then there are two upcoming auctions for Nervex lugs. Most
> of my Motos have Nervex lugs. It will probably be a certain
> R.S. that builds the bike for me.

John,

I would advise you to not worry - a good framebuilder with enough years experience with lugs, especially anybody with initials R.S., can probably make you a frame with proper angles for your body and riding style, using your "racing" lugs. Most lugs are quite adjustable for angle, though the farther you have to adjust them the more difficult it gets. So starting with lugs closer to your angles might be wise - but leave that up to your framebuilder. Certain lugs shouldn't be adjusted much, notably the newer investment cast lugs (newer as in mid-70s and on) but again I'd leave that up to the builder because it's impossible to make general statements with any accuracy.

Those Nervex lugs you mention, from eBay or wherever, are probably racing angles too, as racing angles were defined back when Nervex lugs were new. They were designed for racing bikes of the day, and probably still to this day have been used on far more racing bikes than touring bikes. For example, most Motobecanes with Nervex lugs were originally conceived as racing bikes, though many users ended up touring on them.

This brings up the fact that "racing" angles of not too many years ago are considered perfect touring angles by most folks today.

One good thing about Nervex is they are the kind of lug that is very adjustable for angle. They came in different angles, and if you get stuck with an especially steep set, it might be hard to get them to fit an especially slack frame design - if that's what you end up needing. But typical old-style racing lugs make great touring bikes.

I'd say bring the lugs that you like the most to your framebuilder, and if he agrees to use them, then relax and let him handle it.

Mark Bulgier
Seattle WA USA