Russ,
Generally speaking, lugless frame construction is considered stronger than lugged construction. Done correctly, it is more labor intensive than a certain degree of lugged framebuilding. Lugless is oftentimes slightly heaver. Lugless techniques are best employed in the case of extra large frame and extra heavy rider or possibly in some cases of loaded touring; otherwise there is very little reason or advantage to fillet brazing the frame. Where odd size, shape, or junction of tube is involved, of course fillet brazing is the easy and obvious solution. Fillet brazing has it's place and when done by an expert, can be exceptionally beautiful and artful. Like everything else in framebuilding, selecting how and when to use it is the key to using it to its best advantage. I find it useful primarily for tandems and funny bikes. Have only made two fillet brazed road frames in my entire history.
Brian Baylis
Very pleasant in La Mesa, CA today. I hear the birds singing, and it's
not rap music, either!
>
> O fellow classicists,
>
> Here's a wierd question, as I work with a ride buddy - traditionally, are
> lugless brazed frames considered as strong as lugged ones? I would think they
> would be equivalent in strength, but the rider in question is over 200 lbs.,
> and he'd be happier knowing the bike he is looking at would hold up well under
> him.
>
> Thanks
> Russ Fitzgerald
> rfitzger@emeraldis.com
>
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