Well, framebuilding is BOTH art AND engineering. I think one of the primary reasons people collect classic bikes and belong to this list is that they believe that the artistic part of the equation is lacking in most modern frames. Even though many of us on the list, myself included, are engineers, we still think the artistic aspects are important and stand a bit in awe of those framebuilders past and present who can create functional art.
Regards,
Jerry Moos
Bob Reid wrote:
> > "...mario confente may likely have forgotten more about frames at age 33
> > than most of us will ever learn. he should be put on a pedastal and revered,
> > if for no other reason than that it will never be known what his full
> > potential could have been, and what impact that potential may have had in the
> > subsequent years. i thought he was an icon in 1974, and i believe similarly
> > today."
>
> Dear All,
>
> Perhaps I would say this in respect of a past President or founding public
> figure. But of a bicycle framebuilder ? Lets be honest here, I have no
> reason to doubt his ability, skill or talent but come on guys
>
> What are you telling me ? If Mario had still been alive he wouldn't have
> ended up hand-building todays modern lightweight frames but he'd have
> convinced the world that fancy lugs with cutout's and steel tubing is the
> way to go ?
>
> I'm saddened to see that yet again we are descending into the depths of the
> "framebuilding is art rather than just light engineering" discussion group ?
>
> Before (a) we lose more members (b) someone else gets chucked off the list
> or (c) Dale pulls the plug, can we get back to the real purpose of this
> list.
>
> How about someone out there explaining for the benefit of those of us who
> don't know, just where the real Italian Masi company (founded in 1953 ?)
> fits into all this diatribe rather than those produced by those individuals
> etc, who were licensed to use the name. Remember the real Masi company
> still exists.
>
> Best Regards
>
> Bob Reid
> Stonehaven
> Scotland
>
> p.s.
>
> I wouldn't at all be surprised if Dale pulls the plug on the list for good,
> as the past week has produced little if any real help to the general list
> members, certainly plenty of junk mail and offensive comment. Yes I know
> there is the Delete button - and I do use it - but little if anything is
> getting left behind. What a sad reflection on a list used by adults who
> clearly like the sound of their own voice or the tone of their own e-mails.