Re: [CR] was Introduction Faux Pas, now Bianchi road fixer

(Example: Framebuilding:Brazing Technique)

From: <Wolfman231@aol.com>
Date: Sat, 30 Mar 2002 16:06:23 EST
Subject: Re: [CR] was Introduction Faux Pas, now Bianchi road fixer
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org


In a message dated 3/30/02 2:12:05 AM Eastern Standard Time, ojv@earthlink.net writes:

<< I prefer road geometry for a road fixer, I like the smoother ride of the longer chainstays and the more relaxed geometry. 17-inch chainstays, 72-degree HTA, 50mm of offset, and 60mm of BB drop is where it's at for me on a road fixer. There are no flat rides here so if I'm going to suffer, I might as well be comfortable. >>

I agree with Don, but probably because I don't have a track background; my racing days were spent back in Connecticut, and, if memory serves, the districts were held at Trexlertown. I envy and admire you guys (and gals) with track racing experience and the requisite bike handling skills. I just want to say to anyone on the list who hasn't ridden a fixed-gear, just do it.
   Don't worry about the nutted versus QR hub debate or the track versus road frame debate. My fixed gear bike is a Dawes 531db sport-touring model, 1980 vintage, with eyelets for my fenders, 26c tires, and still enough front wheel clearance to wear booties on my big feet. Riding it is the ultimate Classic Rendezvous! I did 40 miles on it yesterday in typical Midwest winds and it kicked my butt. As an aside, congrats to Richard Sachs on his recognition in Bicycling...a full page shot of his gorgeous work. I raced against Richard back in the 80s...actually I think I may have ridden over him (or one of his team) following a crash (I think it was at one of the Walnut Hill races in New Britain)? If it was you, sorry Richard...George Orr said it was probably not a good idea to apologize at the time. <wink> Anyway, the fact that the man still holds a cat 2 license and still demonstrates such a passion for his work makes him a true Artisan in my book. -Ed Kasper "lucky to hang tough in Citizens' Races" Detroit MI