Subject: Re: [CR]Kellogg/Spectrum Steel Bikes

(Example: History:Norris Lockley)

From: <Curtistex@aol.com>
Subject: Subject: Re: [CR]Kellogg/Spectrum Steel Bikes
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Date: Wed, 20 Nov 2002 23:46:52 EST

John Lehoczky <john_lehoczky@yahoo.com> writes:

"I'd be curious to responses by list members - are "custom" bikes that much better riding than high quality "factory" ones, or is there no noticeable difference once a factory bike is set up properly?"

"if both examples have the same exact dimensions they will ride the same. construction qualities and attention to details, both inside and out, will vary and affect 'feel' and longevity. but they will still go down the road similarly. if your position atop either is a mirror image, the answer is that there 'should' be no noticeable differences." e-RICHIE chester, ct

That is a big if and should. I have a CoMotion Espresso. It is custom built and new. It is not lugged but fillet brazed and absolutely off topic. What makes this bike more special than an identical one off the rack, is that I talked to everyone who worked on the bike. I met everyone form the guy who cut the tubes to the guy who put it in the box. The owner (actually one of two) is a very old friend of mine and did the brazing himself.

The point here is that I have a piece of art made by friends for ME. Is it a better bike by the numbers? Probably not. But it sure makes me feel like I am flying. The told me when I ordered the bike that if I bought a Colnago or a De Rosa everyone would say "wow nice bike" but a CoMotion? They all say what's that? and I would have to prove to them what a great bike it really is.

So it is all subjective and psychological but a custom bike, be it geometry or only paint, does feel better and ride better, if only because of what it does for the rider's self esteem.

And of course, if you love your bike, it doesn't matter what kind of bike you have.

Curtis Whatley
grammatically challenged
Mission, Texas