Dale Brown wrote:
>
(snip)
> I hate to rate custom frame builders but in the USA, I would offer these as
> my "Top Post War" (in alphabetic order as some of these guys are friends and
> I would hate to rank them..!) (snip)
>
> Brian Baylis
> Mario Confente
> Albert Eisentraut (Earlier A frames only)
> Glenn Erickson
> McLean Fonvielle
> Bruce Gordon (1970 & early 80s lugged only)
> Mark Nobilette (Earlier top model frames)
> Richard Sachs
> Peter Weigle
List Members,
I have a 1979 Bruce Gordon frame that I'm selling for a friend. It measures 53.5cm center to top, and has a 54.5cm top tube. Imron paint is good, but the frame has quite a few scrapes.
You can see it at:
http://www.velo-retro.com/
As previously posted, the March '77 Velo News covering the New York Internat. Cycle Show wrote that the three frame builder stand-outs at the show were Bruce Gordon, Richard Sachs and Mario Confente. I'm sure you'll all agree that Bruce's seat lug treatment with the seat binder bolt hidden in the fast-back seat stays would have to be considered sculptural art, or as close to it as you can get on a bike.
And then there is the Bruce Gordon mystique (sp?). He worked for two years with Albert Eisentraut before going into business for himself. He quit making lug frames in the mid-80s to concentrate on lugless touring bikes (http://www.bgcycles.com). And of course his "gruff but loveable" persona and the "I was insulted by Bruce Gordon" buttons cheerfully handed out at the Bicycle Trade shows every year!
My friend wants $600 for the frame; email me directly with any questions.
Chuck Schmidt
South Pasaden, California