[CR]A Case for Historical Replicas

(Example: Events:Cirque du Cyclisme:2004)

Date: Sun, 18 Aug 2002 15:31:17 -0700
From: "Brian Baylis" <rocklube@adnc.com>
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Subject: [CR]A Case for Historical Replicas

Listmembers,

Wow, I haven't had much time nor much inspiration lately to address the list; but I'm finally forcing out part two to the issue of Replica Vs. Counterfeit. I'm still a ways behind on several personal communications; so if I left you hanging I will try to catch up after I finish this. After writing that last piece there were some private communications between myself and a few others. The only thing that came of it was that there are many variations on what is a "counterfeit". I was unaware of this and hadn't thought about it until it came up; but in places and at times when apprenticeships were more common there were probably more frames labled with a "famous" makers name on them that were built by (hopefully) schooled and skilled apprentices. It is no differant than a subcontracted Masi being decaled as a Masi once painted. These are not counterfeit, just the product of doing an expanded business. As long as the quality falls withing the standards of the marquee; it's all good. Like I said in the first installment; the differance between a replica and a counterfeit is "intention". Unless you are told expressly that the frame is made from start to finish by the hand of the "Master" himself and you are paying a premium price for it; you can expect that it wasn't.

So if one intends to build a "replica" of something the intention must be "honorable" and in such a way as to compliment and pay homage to the original. If one is sincere about there never ever being a "mistake" as to it's origin; even 100 years from now when our counterparts are behaving just like we are now, one has to make it clear on the frame that it is a replica. There are several ways to go about this and it may depend on what type of bike one is replicating as to how one would accomplish this.

I recently completed such a "replica" for the purposes of studying the amount of time it takes and learning a bit more about fabricating certain parts in order to make such a thing. I'm also entertaining some (but not very many) thoughts about possibly offering historical replica frames in certain circumstances. Personally, I find it facinating as a custom framebuilder to expand my experiences and find new ways to express my knack for building frames "the old way". My personal collection of frames has to branch into different directions in order for me not to duplicate something I already have. I'm beginning to think that I'm some sort of FREAK because I've made myself so many frames of so many different types from track to triplet, from time trial to touring. All this time I thought that all framebuilders indulge themselves in this type of experimenting and learning; which I believe is ongoing and neverending. Like David Bohm said recently, one never "masters" a craft. There is always more to learn and the only way is to bite off a piece and digest it. My replica project forced a lot of learning upon me during the polishing and construction phase of this frame. I now know how to polish a complete frame for chrome plating. I will have to do one more before I have the thing down pat. I've also learned that polishing new frames is one thing; used frames are quite another matter.

Anyway, I chose to build a replica of a 1961 Masi Special track bike that was going to be a "mate" to the one Rex Gebhart has. It's the most beautiful vintage track bike I've seen in person so far, for my taste. Knowing that the odds of me ever finding such a thing, out bidding small Japanese bidders on eBay for such a thing, etc. were all contributing to me never getting the bike of my dreams. I finally decided to build a replica with the intention of activating "Murphey's Law" which would dictate that right after I finished building a replica the real deal would turn up. So I started in.

I didn't have a bike to work with as an example but I'm familiar enough with that period Masi that I felt confident enough to proceed. I decided to add the long point on the front of the Nervex professional seat lug that is characteristic of Masis from about 1964 onward but were never used on the Nervex pro lug that I've ever seen. So this point alone will distinguish this replica from an original if the future collectors are sharp. But that is not enough. I also engraved the top of the fork crown with my knifemakers mark and stamped "MASI special replica by RBB, 2002" under the BB shell. Since these things are all now chromed over they can not be easily obscured or removed. A real sharp collector would also notice that the workmanship is so far above an original that there is little likelyhood of a mistake, even though it has Masi decals.

My feeling is that a replica should be done "in the spirit" of the original without going overboard trying to copy the original exactly. Naturally, each project would dictate which approach to take and how authentic it might be. In the case of this Masi, I had no problems using an English threaded Nervex reproduction BB shell. I'm not trying to make a counterfeit, I'm trying to make a bike that will be both usable and pleasing enough to fill the void of not having the real deal. Aside from the extended point on the seat lug, I did it just like a Masi would be except for the filing. I made a pair of seat stay caps in the style of the original which is a challange in itself. No plugs, just make a matched handmade pair by looking at a few and taking some measurments. I had to fabricate the brake bridge parts from other bits and ended up having to fit a curved chainstay bridge in because my stays are a bit shorter that the original probably was. The key is make a bike to your exact specifications which is actually a benifit over the original in some cases. If I built a replica of a Masi road bike you can bet your life I would reduce the fork rake to the proper amout for good handleing. No point in making a replica of flaws. My belief is that the replica should be a refinement of the original within certain bounds.

My feeling is that one should have a "reason" for wanting a replica. In my case I have decided to add to my collection a "series" of (primarily) track bikes of historical interest. A Fausto Coppi "Pokkerissimo", an Eddy Merckx Hour record Colnago, a Hetchins Experto Crede vibrant track, and a few others are on my list. I don't expect to do much if any of this for customers, but I think it will be an interesting thing to bike collectors in the future. My preferance is to have a variety of things that show a spectrum of styles and skills that will hopefully distinguish it from other collections. Since I can't afford to buy much, most especially something really historic, I can still play a bit in the game by making a few of my own. I have to admit, the first project has been tremendously satisfying. I always wanted a full chrome track bike; finally I have one. I don't have any photos, but maybe Matt Gorski or someone has a few they can put up on the web somewhere. I still need a few period parts. Anyone have a used but decent set of Campagnolo steel track pedals I can buy?

Sorry for carrying on. I think this area of "Replica" is somewhat if not completely new to the vintage lightweight scene. I'd be curious what others have to say about the concept of replica frames. I guess the Japanese have been doing it French style for a while. To be honest, I don't get around the web hardley ever, so I've not been to all these cool sites all you people know about. I've never even been to Campy Only! Thanks to a generous listmember who I will acknowledge if he wants me to, I have a new computer which will inspire me to learn how the hell these things work, really. Still afraid to make the switch without my friend to help. Soon though. Is there more of this replica arena than I know about? Are the Japanese just replicating the style of the frames or are they being made to look like a real Herse? Just curious. I also heard that in England back in the 60's or so there was a person who made replicas of some of the English brands. Anyone know anything about that?

Brian Baylis
La Mesa, CA