5/1/02 1:06 PMclassicrendezvous-request@bikelist.org
from
Tom Dalton <tom_s_dalton@yahoo.com>
> Date: Wed, 1 May 2002 09:57:25 -0700 (PDT)
> To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
> Subject: Re: Re: [CR]Reynolds Tubing Question
> Funny 1700 grams for just the tubes, and we thought of it as lightweight
> racing stuff! Aren't there complete frames that weigh 1000grams theses days?
> They don't last,of course. Then again, neither did 753.
> tom
having had a custom frame made of reynolds 753R in 1987 by the then premier australian frame builder Ken Evans (builder of australian olympic track and road frames including all of martin vinnicombe's frames) i knew within 50 miles that i had indeed crossed a lightweight border line that was not for me.
my previous vitus felt more of a piece and direct when out of the saddle and i had to quietly sell it on as i received a very good club discount from my local bike store and was ashamed to admit my mistake in ordering. they were telling me the facts about the different tubing specs and my youth was listening only to what i wanted to hear.
thankfully i have grown out of thinking that a light frame will be an improvement and also am more discerning about a frames balance and characteristics when atop of one. even more so i am now prepared to listen to the judgement of others who know better and have faith in what they advise would suit me.
i still see the odd "kenevans" even half way accross the globe and a part of me wishes i had the been more prudent as he had made some frames of very high quality that cost between 1/3 to 1/2 the cost of most equivalent imported european frames. my only experience with his renowned name was spoilt by my lack of good judgement - sad really.
ciao,
ben kamen NYC