I just felt the need to ad my 2 cents to the discussion on frames. I work at CyclArt. CyclArt employs 3 full time painters. Some of you might have met the #1 painter at the show in Pasadena. Ruth Alvarado. I am not a painter. I manage the parts and sales for Jim. One of the great things about working here is that I get to see a huge amount of bikes come thru this shop for paint. Stripped down to the bare metal and redone. One of the things I like to do is to try to identify the maker after the bike has been stripped. I am amazed at how some frames with legendary names are built so roughly. Some makers frames, when stuck in a jig, are always off. Some are always on. 2 frames came thru recently, from the same builder, same era. One looked like the builder was blind and was way out of wack when jigged up, the other was a fine piece of work and was spot on. When I went to the show in Pasadena I was very excited to be able to meet and listen to what Brian had to say. I looked forward to hearing his take on frame building and what to look for when one examines a frame. I thank him for his time. I felt like following him around to pick his brain. I am sure I had enough questions to last a week. Considering that I just met him there, I let him off the hook. (next time) I now look at frames with a new eye. Having already examined a large # of frames I feel like I am seeing them for the first time. To me, in the past, a great frame was one that fit and was straight. Now....................
When it comes to this subject I find I am just pre-schooler and I appreciate all the lively discussion that helps to educate me in this subject.
Have at it boys, no holds barred.
Mike Tatum
San Diego