I have to agree. As Brian said in a previous post, the perception that a Confente, for example, is the best-riding bike ever built is probably only true for the person who states that. There is no rational basis to believe it should be true in general.
I just got back from 35 km on the early 80's Alberto-made Masi Prestige. Aside from having to change a flat, quite a pleasant ride. The Masi rides nicely enough, but to me, the best riding bike I have ridden is still a Peugeot PX-10. There is a perfectly scientific basis as to why a PX-10 rides differently from a Masi Prestige, including wheelbase, fork rake, chainstay length, angles, lugs, and the metric gauge 531 used in the PX-10. No one with even a clue about classic bikes would dispute that the PX-10 and similar French bikes of the era with similar geometry and the same metric gauge 531 ride noticeably different from a Masi or similar early 80's Italian bikes. But as to my belief that the PX-10 ride is that best, that is absolutely true, but only true for me or for others who happen to also believe it. To someone else the Masi ride may be perfect and the PX-10 crap.
I suspect that even if I am ever fortunate enough to own a Baylis frame (I came close once), I will still think the PX-10 rides better. Certainly won't mean that the PX-10 is the better frame - far from it. It will only mean the construction of the Peugeot results in a ride which I personally consider ideal - for me.
Regards,
Jerry Moos
Big Spring, Texas, USA
> From: brianbaylis@juno.com <brianbaylis@juno.com>
> Subject: Re: [CR] Building a frame?
> To: crumpy6204@aol.com
> Cc: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
> Date: Sunday, August 2, 2009, 12:34 PM
>
> John,
>
> All else being equal, in theory the bikes should ride the
> same. Will they? I don't know.
>
> There are no secrets or magic involved in building bike
> frames. My approach is to do everything possible to make
> sure there is no compromise in the materials or methods I
> use to make sure I"M happy with the outcome. That's the only
> reason I make frames, self indulgence and self satisfaction.
> The rest of the "business" is sort of an annoyance at times.
> But I can't make everything for myself. Wouldn't learn much
> beyond a certain point that way. People come to me because
> they like the way I do what I do. Very simple. And yes, much
> of it is cosmetic; but I make sure there are no compromises
> in any phase of the process. That's my job to know. The
> client should trust me or they shouldn't be buying a bike
> from me.
>
> My feeling is that those who claim their bikes are better
> than someone elses frames are most likely full of baloney,
> at a certain level.
>
> Brian Baylis
> La Mesa., CA
>
>
> ---------- Original Message ----------
> From: <crumpy6204@aol.com>
> To: <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
> Subject: [CR] Building a frame?
> Date: Sun, 2 Aug 2009 12:57:36 -0400
>
> OK another question to ponder. Two set of Reynolds 531
> tubes.?Two set of Nervez lugs BOTH SETS ABSOLUTELY THE SAME.
> Two DIFFERENT Experienced! builders. Both build frames with
> said materials,?? ?Build both frame up with the same?
> components??? WHICH BLOODY BIKE, RIDES THE BEST??? SO Brian,
> Peter, Dale.Etc. WHAT does make a frame you build BETTER
> than the other guys? The finish? this does NOT?make the bike
> perform any better!? What magic tips do you have up YOUR
> sleeves to make us buy YOUR product?? Cheers?John Crump
> oldfullofquestionsinmyOLDageBrit. Parker, Co?
> _______________________________________________
>
>
> ____________________________________________________________
> Do it right the first time. Click to find contractors
> to work on your home improvement project.
> http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/