[CR]Belated introduction

(Example: Framebuilding:Tubing:Falck)

From: <Wdgadd@aol.com>
Date: Sat, 10 Mar 2001 09:45:40 EST
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Subject: [CR]Belated introduction

I've been a member for about a week now and it occurs to me that I never introduced myself as Dale suggested and as I have seen several other new members do. I'll try to keep it brief. I live in the greater Hartford, CT. area, and have been a cyclist since the early 70's. Worked in the aircraft industry for 20 years (polishing+ fitting turbine blades/vanes) and now work as a stone mason. Bikes I've owned include Ralighs(Inter and Comp MkII),Legnano, Hetchins(Experto Credo fixed gear bike- I set up with 4 speed fwheel as a poor teenager) , two Weigles (one used, one built for me), Paletti, Tanguay, a Jack Taylor track bike and maybe some others. Oh yes, three Mercians- Professional, Strada Speciale , and 853 Lugless Pro, all ordered from the works. I traded a Norton Commando for a Henry James jig, lugs, tubing, tools, etc., several years ago and now build my own bikes, and have done several as favors for friends. I don't call myself a framebuilder-some of the other contributors are FRAMEBUILDERS. I'm an enthusiastic amateur. Riding a bike that you have designed and built is very satisfying, and the thrill hasn't quite worn off yet. My interest in older bikes is partly nostalgia, but mostly a reaction to where the industry is headed. Modern bikes have no grace. Innovation serves the marketing and sales department rather than the cyclist. I'm no Luddite; I use Ergo and Look but I also ride leather saddles, lugged steel frames and use inch pitch for fixed gear. Anyhow, this is a great forum. Thanks.

Regards,
Wes Gadd