[CR]Aging, was: I Got My MOJO workin'

(Example: Framebuilders:Brian Baylis)

From: "David Bilenkey" <dbilenkey@sympatico.ca>
To: <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
Date: Fri, 28 Jun 2002 14:05:38 -0400
In-Reply-To: <3D1C9ECF.6170@adnc.com>
Subject: [CR]Aging, was: I Got My MOJO workin'

Brian makes an interesting point about the design and details of a frame and how they will look over time. While I was studying Industrial Design one of our profs had a great question he posed at just about every critique. It was: 'How will it look after it's been used for a year or two?'

A great question. Will the texture accumulate dirt? Will the finish erode? Will the graphics stand up to use/cleaning/sunlight? Will it be all scratched? Will the design thrive and develop a 'patina' or look beat up in a very short time?

A classic example, briefly mentioned on the list last week (?): Shimano's Sante group. Certainly the most 'styled' or 'designed' group I think I can recall seeing, and a clear indication that there wasn't enough thought given to the questions of 'How will it age?' because many of the groups signature details would scratch or wear off rather quickly.

Anyone care to add to the list of classic parts whose design thrives/survives well as they age? How about the list of the parts that age the worst? Campy gum brake hoods anyone? ;-)

David Bilenkey
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada