Re: [CR]Pinnicle of the vintage lightweight era?

(Example: Events:Cirque du Cyclisme:2007)

From: "KCTOMMY" <KCTOMMY@email.msn.com>
To: <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
References: <OF9D8E38A8.5C602AD8-ON88256A18.005FF7B3@sce.com>
Subject: Re: [CR]Pinnicle of the vintage lightweight era?
Date: Fri, 23 Mar 2001 12:07:11 -0600


I would say that 753 frames are too specialized and un-repairable to be the pinnacle of design. A double butted 531 frame is the best compromise of durability and performance. Substitute SL/SP if you prefer your frames with Latin flare. Component wise, I would say Campy just prior to the CPSC mandated useless "safety features" were the best components of the classic era, with Stronglight a close second and Dura Ace coming on strong. I still remember that black anodized Dura Ace Group sitting in the display case of that old bike shop in Ann Arbor---. By then we had progressed to a level of sophistication where derailers could handle a large enough spread of gears to permit reasonably fit cyclists to ride most all roads, while brakes worked adequately and everything was pretty. Clinchers had progressed enough to make lightweight performance wheels w/o the troubles of tubulars available to the masses. Therefore the "pinnacle" of classic development would be a mid 70's high quality frame with Campy NR or reduced SR, with perhaps a slightly later set of wheels. When did Mavic market the Module E and Michelin the Elan? Reasonably light, capable in the hills, bulletproof reliability. Most everything since then has added to complexity, detracted from reliability and compromised fatigue resistance. Derailers and shifters should outlive you, doggone it.

My personal icon? A 62cm cobalt blue Gios Torino mit medallions und NR parts. Brooklyn jersey deriguer. Of course this changes daily.

Tom Adams, listening to the weathermen predict flurries for the weekend (waah!)


----- Original Message -----
From: Doland.Cheung@sce.com
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Sent: Friday, March 23, 2001 11:32 AM
Subject: [CR]Pinnicle of the vintage lightweight era?



>
> What does everybody think the pinnicle of the vintage lightweight era might
> be? I was thinking that at some point, a particular frame might be
> considered the high point of the era before index shifting, tig, carbon,
> etc. I kinda always thought that maybe a nice, lugged 753 frame would be
> it. Anybody think otherwise?

>

> doland