Dave,
WOW! That frame is a masterpiece. Clearly work like this is possible by probably fewer than 5 active framebuilders in the world. Some have commented that "American framebuilders are best". I'm somewhat uncomfortable with that because there are expert craftsmen and genius designers (as David Bohm obviously is) in every part of the world. Craftsmen are craftsmen; not citizens of a particular country. The primary reason framebuilders in the US can creates works of art like this is because there is a (small) market for it here. That fits perfectly with the fact that a masterwork of this magnitude may only appear one time in a framebuilders carrer. As I mentioned, so few are even capable of this; topping this, HA! Not likely! I suspect I'm 75% capaple of such work myself. I'd have to add some more tricks before I could produce a piece in this league.
Regarding my statement about stainless steel tubing and bits being a bad idea; allow me to clarify. As I just said, the number of builders who could really make use of the complete stainless steel frame concept are extremely few. No tubing manufacturer will continue to make such material if it doesn't find widespread production use. My deffinition of a good idea for frame tubing and lugs are Reynolds 531 and soft IC lugs. Those materials are usable by both production and small custom builders with great success. It is easy to work with, versitile, and relatively inexpensive. Obviously, what David Bohm has done with stainless steel is far past a "good idea"; shall I say it is "Brilliant!"
I can barely comprehend the amount of time and effort that went into this piece; I would imagine that some of you might be overwhelmed by it.I would be surprised if Dave will make frames this complex more than a few times in his lifetime. No matter what it costs, it is not easy money and much of his payment will be in self satisfaction and the parise from the rest of us.
There is only one test left for this work of art. That will be the test of time. Since the bicycle is not strictly a metal sculpture but a piece of equiptment that performs a function; it must perform that function at the same level as it's artistic design for the lifetime of the original owner without fail to be equal to the design and workmanship of this frame. BTW, this is the same standard I would apply to any handmade custom or made to measure frame. I don't know anything about the tubing, but I would assume the butts are at least normal length to accomodate the length of the lug pattern. Dave really does his homework so I assume the bike will ride and last the duration.
I've seen some amazing work from some really artistic "younger" framebuilders like Richard Moon and David Bohm. These works come in small numbers and take moumental efforts to produce. The best conditions for building frames like this is to have a "regular" job and build frames as a labour of love. These frames clearly are that. I bow at their feet for the designwork they are creating. I might dabble in stainless one time; but it won't be anything like what these guys are comming up with! I'm DEFFINITELY impressed, Dave.
Brian (not a big fan of stainless, but a fan of Dave Bohm) Baylis
La Mesa, CA
>
> Hi Everyone!
>
> Just thought the timing was great on this! I just completed a full, fancy stainless bike and a nice simple sport touring machine.
>
> The stainless bike has been a long time coming. I started on the lugs long ago and over the years I have come up with new techniques that added to my repertoire. Every time I finish a bike, I always think I could improve, but that is the nature of learning, especially with this one. I am proud of both of these, so take a few moments and check them out. I think you will like them too!
>
> You can access them through my website at:
>
> http://www.bohemianbicycles.com
>
> or you can go to the Gallery at:
>
> http://www.bohemianbicycles.com/
>
> or just go directly to the pages. For the stainless bike:
>
> http://www.bohemianbicycles.com/
>
> Or for the sport touring bike:
>
> http://www.bohemianbicycles.com/
>
> Sincerely,
>
> David "BAM take it up a notch!!" Bohm
> Tucson Az
>
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