Re: [CR] was e-bay sales now Flying Gate....

(Example: Framebuilders:Norman Taylor)

From: <TheTrevone@aol.com>
Date: Tue, 13 Nov 2001 05:54:51 EST
Subject: Re: [CR] was e-bay sales now Flying Gate....
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org


> Please, for us on this side of the water, what does "Flying Gate" mean?

I trust the following link may be of some assistance.

http://members.aol.com/polldoug/flyinggate/flyinggateframes.htm

Bob Reid wrote
> ", the whole concept of the "gate" surely has to be flawed - It sort
> of goes back to the argument (sorry discussion) over what these small
> builders thought they could do to re-invent the classic frame shape - Snip
> lengthening the wheelbase in the process and adding weight Snip
>
> and appeared to most folks as just "novelty" frames, or
> perhaps because they just didn't work or were not properly engineered. I
> may be wrong, but the cynic in me only sees the work of a mediocre
> framebuilder who was either struggling against the competition to sell his
> conventional frames on quality and standards alone, or he was just trying to
> bluff his way to success, with pseudo-science.......

Bob, Those were harsh words, you don't mention if you have ever ridden one?

This design shortens the wheelbase and adds very little weight.

Although a cynic myself, I have to take issue with your view that the quality of the frame builders of 'Flying Gates' are mediocre, where is your evidence? You could always travel down to Worcs. to T.J. Cycles and see a current 'Flying Gate' being made, before making comments such as 'not properly engineered' and 'bluff his way to success'

These frames are not everybody's cup of tea, each to their own, I consider myself fortunate to ride one, it's reliable and gives me hours of enjoyment. Surely at the end of the day that's all any of us want of any of the bikes we have.

Best regards
Doug Poll
Orpington
England