[CR] =?windows-1252?q?Pink_Ren=E9_Herse?=

(Example: Events:BVVW)

From: "The Maaslands" <TheMaaslands@comcast.net>
To: "CR" <Classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
Date: Sun, 9 Sep 2007 17:09:04 -0400
Subject: [CR] =?windows-1252?q?Pink_Ren=E9_Herse?=

Marc wrote:

"I was also of the opinion that only Herse randonneuse bikes with all of

the RH bits were where the value was until I had the chance to examine one of the cyclo-sportif/racing frames up close. Granted, the machine in question does have some of the Herse bits, but one of the details which struck me as being extraordinary was the internal routing of the cabling. Granted, internally routed cables are not that unique; however, the true

Herse touch lies wherein each of the entry and exit holes for these cables have beautifully filleted reinforcements. Also, it appears that to accomplish the internal routing of the front derailleur cable, a special

bottom bracket was fabricated with an eye towards aerodynamics. Seems like every time I examine an Herse frame, I see something different and extraordinary."

Are you perhaps looking at a different bike? Looking at the photos that appear here: http://www.reneherse.com/RHpink.html The derailleur cables appear to me to be standard under the bottom bracket routing. As far as the rear brake cable goes, the person who set this bike up has made a mess of it. The amount of cable housing between the exit from the top tube to the rear brake caliper is simply too short to allow proper functioning of the brake. Hopefully this is simply a matter of sliding a bit more cable housing from in front of the forward cable entry to the rear, but this is not evident. The chain also seems to be quite short for the selected chainrings and freewheel cogs. The set-up is also lacking in the general proportions, with the seatpost unacceptably low, making the whole bike look awkward. I am also surprised to see the adustable cup extending quite a few threads beyond a visibly thick lock ring. I don't consider any of these elememts acceptabe when you are selling a high end bike.

Personally, I don't doubt that there will be somebody who will pay at least the opening bid, because as Barnum said, "there is one born every minute". For me, a collector buying this bike is only slightly better off than a Maserati collector buying a Maserati TC: a quaint filler to complete the collection.

Steven Maasland
Moorestown, NJ
USA