In a message dated 1/5/03 6:12:23 PM Pacific Standard Time, mail@woodworkingboy.com writes:
<< It got me
to thinking.... these pros are definitely heavy mashers, and they go through
bikes pretty fast. When checking out a used pista frame, where are you
likely to see heavy use damage occur? Are stress cracks around the bb shell
a likelihood, and possibly are internal and not so easily recognized on the
outside? >>
This is an area of raging controversy, essentially whether or not frames "go
soft". Some people claim "impossible", I'm on the "it depends" side. I would
say get as many of these frames as you can, and sell them to the list. If
there are any that show up that are larger, like 60cm, I'd likely get one
from every different maker you can find!
I think it's fair to say that these professional riders who have a lot of
prize money at stake, want every advantage they can get..and no disadvantage
they can avoid. Super strong, sensitive athletes IMHO, can feel subtle
changes in a frame over time. Even if it's only psychological, they're going
to get the new, "fresh" frames. Their "retired" frames would be dandy for
most of us "tired" old riders. I'm not exactly fat, but I'm nowhere near as
strong as I used to be, so one of their old bikes would be just wonderful!
Buy 'em all and send them here! I'll help organize the underground railroad.
Stevan Thomas
Alameda, CA