[CR] the passing of Ernest Csuka

(Example: Framebuilders:Cecil Behringer)

Date: Wed, 23 Dec 2009 19:04:11 +0000
From: <hersefan@comcast.net>
To: <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>, <internet-bob@bikelist.org>
In-Reply-To: <204342738.2878271261595044533.JavaMail.root@sz0085a.emeryville.ca.mail.comcast.net>
Cc: 650B@bikelist.org, Jan Heine <heine94@earthlink.net>, SIR@bikelist.org, randon@googlegroups.com
Subject: [CR] the passing of Ernest Csuka


Well I just heard the bad news - it leaves a knot in my stomach.

As most folks know, Ernest Cusuka was the last of a generation of great bicycle builders from the 20th century. There is no doubt that bicycles bearing the Alex Singer name have been among the finest riding machines ever produced. Be it genius, tradition, or trial and error (and most likely a combination of all of these), the bicycles leaving their shop were exceptional.

For myself, I found that Alex Singer Bicycles were most likely, among all makes of bicycles, to provide a perfect combination of lively ride and great handling. If one was to hand me a bicycle from any maker from the 1960's through 1980's, and ask me which one I'd probably like the best (including those of another famous french maker), I'd say that to be safest, I'd select the Alex Singer.

But more than a bicycle, a geometry, or a wonderful logo, the Alex Singer shop was always known for its warmth and kindness. Alex Singer himself was known as a gentleman of gentleman, and Ernest Cusuka carried on that tradition to the end of his life. I was lucky enough to be introduced to Ernest Csuka a few years back, and his energetic glow permeated the hallowed ground that is the Alex Singer shop.

The world feels a bit empty right now - may Ernest Csuka rest in peace.

Mike Kone in Boulder CO USA