I fear most of my bikes aren't first- or even second-tier. Maybe they're "weird-tier." Zunows (a mostly private passion), Super Elliotts (rugged and outre, but what else can one say about them?), Razesa, Hobbs of Barbican (where?), Durkopp, etc. Even my candidates for first- or second-tier (3Rensho, Yamaguchi, Ephgrave) evoke lively discussion in a very, very small group, usually consisting of me and one other person off-line until we run out of things to say to each other. Maybe one of the criteria of membership in first-tier is that it be made in Italy (whether that be Milano or Carlsbado)?
The esteemed Chuckmeister says "discuss," but what's to discuss?
Okay, here's a start: Who is the elusive T. Kageyama, apparently the "brains" (inside joke... bonus points if you get it) behind Zunow? Did he start the company, and was it really in 1965? Does he dream in psychedelic paint schemes? Did he/does he braze or only design? How did he get started?
I would love to get even one nugget of new (to me) information on this particular weird-tier (but wonderful) frame maker.
Dave Ross
Portola Valley, CA USA