Hi Ben,
With respect to the head tube numbering, I respectfully beg to differ with you:
1) That location is hardly unique -- just take a look at CR era lug-less Schwinns. I thought my '73 Sports Tourer would be numbered on the rear drop, or BB -- wrong, it's on the base of the head tube. But, it's well done, and the paint isn't contrasted.
2) Perhaps it's just my monitor; but, the numbering on the bike in question looks terrible. If the decals were similarly aligned, I'm sure you would think the bike looks like junk. God is in the details. I've seen perfectly executed numbering in inconspicuous places, why put a poorly done job right in your face? And, as if to add insult to injury, they're color contrasted. The last time I saw stamping like that was when I had a child's bike additionally numbered, on the BB, at the fire station in concert with a required local bike license.
At best, I can envision a scenario where an apprentice was told to rough number the steerer, and there was a misunderstanding.
Brian: Am I being overly critical, or what -- don't you feel the execution of the numbering speaks to the overall care taken during the entire frame building process?
Pete Imandt Ramona SoCal
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