Dale,
I'm sure most restorers of bikes use some sort of spot putty and
catalyzed body filler; but in very small amounts. Filling small
pinholes, rust pitting, and such on old bikes. The material used in
large quantities and in thick layers on parts of the bike frame that
tend to flex is not good application of the material. But it is the
only "practical" way to finish off a bike designed like the ones we
have been speaking about. Personally I don't have a real problem with
using bondo to finish a bike designed like the ones we're talking
about provided the layers are not thicker than the material can
withstand in actual use. What I found "odd" about the design and
construction in question is the amount of very heavy brass used in the
making of the faired in parts. It makes the frame very heavy, which to
me is contrary to the purpose of an aerodynamic bike intended for time
trials. Besides the fact that "aero" tubes need to be much heavier
gauge in the first place to have any hope at all of being rigid enough
for effecient power transfer. Round tubes are more aero than teardrop
tubing (or round tubes with farings) 94% of the time. In other words,
aero tubes are only more effecient when going directly into the wind
and within a few degrees of directly into the wind. I believe it has
been established that it comes down to about 6% of the time while on
the road. The position of the rider is by far the most important
factor when trying to become aerodynamically effecient. The rider
represents 90% of the drag of the bike/rider combo. A reasonably light
frame with round tubes and components that are properly designed for
effeciency at TT speeds are a much better approach. Work on the rider
instead of obcessing about an aero frame. That's my opinion, FWIW.
Brian Baylis La Mesa, CA Since real bikes are for performance of the task at hand. I personally
don't award design kudos for bikes that fail that test, regardless of
how interesting or beautiful they look. The KD laser track sprint bike
is to me a whole different animal. I'd have to study it further, never
having seen that before; but THAT bike appears to be a genuine work of
art and design, IMHO.
Don't most of the high-dollar re-sprayers in the States use filler to
smooth out imperfections?
Dale "I am curious" Phelps, Longmont Colorado USA
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