Matthew - This is interesting. You wrote, "I personally like to live in the moment. If I were going to plop down a big wad of cash on a frame I would choose a builder whose work will become legendary in the future." Gambling certainly is living in the moment, and your statement kinda reads more like you're placing a bet, rather than purchasing something you like. In the crass side of the art world, some collectors and investors feed off promotions and popularities that gets them the best financial return or cache. Opposite this, the credo is buy what you like, not what you think will increase in value or popularity. How far in the future would you foresee your chosen builder's work to "become legendary?" When you're dead? You speak of going back to 1954 Paris for a Herse. It's now 2003; in 49 years you'll no doubt be in another type of Herse and what will be of your maybe/maybe not "legendary" custom bicycle, built for YOU? I know you're not equating "legendary" so much with cash value, but more so with esteemed appreciation of craftsmanship, but esteemed means it has to be valued by others as well as yourself, and that's the sticking point for me here, because, there's absolutely no gamble in "living in the moment" when you buy true to yourself and no others, after all, here are the two qualities you cite in choosing a builder in 2003: You want it and you want it your way. -FWIW, Joe Starck, Sun Prairie, Wisconsin Matthew Grimm <matthewgrimm@yahoo.com> wrote:Curt et al,
I think it's a matter of taste; for which there can be no accounting.
I personally like to live in the moment. If I were going to plop down a big wad of cash on a frame I would choose a builder whose work will become legendary in the future.
And I think this makes sense. Most everything that is being built today is better than that which came before. Cars are better. Dishwashers are better. And bike frames are better too.
Take old school designs and techniques like lugs and brazing and mix them with modern materials and craftsmanship and the result is magical.
If it was 1954 and I was living in Paris, I'd probably go to Herse.
Today, I'd choose a builder with these two qualities:
1) The ability to deliver the goods - talk is cheap - the wherewithal to deliver is priceless
2) The willingness to be paid to take direction from me regarding what I want - if I want a 36mm headtube, then build it with a 36mm headtube
Am I describing a replica or an original? I can't decide.
Matthew Grimm Shakopee, Minnesota, USA
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