I suppose a curly stay Hetchins is about as affected as one can get, but Baines, Bates, and Paris Galibier come pretty close to Hetchins. I suppose fans of Italian bikes, or even of the more useful elegance of Herse or Singer, may not care for these British marques. Don't own any of the British marques in question myself, but I would love to do, affectation and all.
Regards,
Jerry Moos, chilly Russell, PA, but at least the rain/sleet/snow has stopped.
Douglas R. Brooks wrote:
> <snipping going on>>
> > > What do you call stays like this when they're not on a GT or
> > >Hetchin's?
> > >
> > > >http://ebay.com/<blah>
> > > >
> > Personally, I call them an affectation. For your trouble, here's what you get:
> >
> > --> 2 extra joints to make and finish.
> > --> The joints on the top tube are likely on the thin part of the tube,
> > where most folks would prefer to use silver, but silver doesn't have
> > significant strength except in shear (as in a properly done lug), so it
> > isn't a really bright idea.
> > --> A much more awkward brake cable run.
>
> I can see how this bike's lugs are not to your tastes.
> That's fine. I'm not so fond of it myself.
> But it seems to me that it has lasted 25 years and served its
> owners well. I understand your trepidations about the mechanical
> disadvantages, but they seem unfounded in reality.
> The bike is solid and it has never been awkward in function
> or set up. Laing was/is noteworthy for lots of quirky designs.
> This may be affected but isn't that itself something to applaud?
> Viva la difference.
> BTW, I have no stake in this sale. I'm auctioning it for
> a dear friend who has no e-connections.
> Douglas Brooks
> Canandaigua, NY