At 4:07 PM -0400 7/26/02, Richard M Sachs wrote:
>the best-of-the-best always was well crafted. maybe not crafted in
>the contemporary
>sense, but crafted nonetheless.
I think you're correct when you're talking about small individual
builders. I think when it comes to the "big players" I think that
isn't true. The company that jumps to mind first is Peugeot. I've
seen some very nice top end frames from them but the majority of
PX-10s I've seen had really poor finish details. I've also seen
quite a few Raleighs with half brazed lugs. I know they're not doing
it on purpose. I think the problem is the bottom line and demand for
the bikes being more than production will allow. I've also known
small builders that have had that same problem.
>fwiw, i think summoning up the subject of craftsmanship often
>misleads people to concentrate only on the exterior. a well crafted
>bicycle frame starts from the inside and works its way outward.
Hear, hear. . . craftsmanship starts with good design and planning. I've ridden too many bikes that looked great but rode horribly. A really hot paint job doesn't do anything for a poorly designed frame.
I do think the bar has been raised and I think it has a lot to do
with an equalization of supply and demand. If you look when the main
problems are happening is during an explosion in demand by the public
for the product. I know companies don't like to do R&D on their
customers, but too often the voice of one-more-bike-out-the-door
speaks loudest. I don't think the supply and demand factor effects
small builders as much, but that's only a question the lists small
builders could answer. So what about it guys? What did you do when
the demand for road bikes plummeted in the 80's and 90's?
enjoy,
Brandon"monkeyman"Ives
SB, CA