Hi all. My name is David Beach; aka Max Beach to friends. I'm a jewel thief living in Northern California. Sonoma County is an exceptionally beautiful place to live and ride; the vineyards are lovely this time of the year. I've "lurked," in list parlance, for a few months, enjoying the exchanges and learning a great deal. I suspect there are a number who watch and listen like me because, frankly, I don't have nearly the experience or expertise as a collector or mechanic as do the frequent contributors. My postings and questions would be lame by comparison. I have had marvelous, wonderful experiences in off-list transactions with two list members, acquiring frames and parts (thanks to both of you, you know who you are). So, please accept this lurker's thanks to all members for their postings and trainings of a novice fellow like myself.
My love is British bikes; own an '80 Mercian, '90 Jack Taylor, Pogliaghi, '72, '73, and '86 Paramounts, and do most of my riding on a Grant Peterson-inspired Heron.
So here's my question to the list: I am hoping to take a trip to Scotland/Ireland next year, and would like to hear who the best small builders in the British Empire might be; I would love to start working with a builder, order a bike, and have it built in time for me to pick it up next year. Should I play it safe and go for a Mercian or new Jack Taylor? Are there others who do equally beautiful work? Thoughts from all you well-connected folk?
Thanks; keep an eye on your valuables when I'm in your town.
David F. Beach
aka Max