Steven Sheffield cites framebuilders' use of "Fisher, Dubois, and Nervex" parts and resulting tubing diameters as "limiting your palette," and that he doesn't want a bike with a one inch top tube, and that this "living in the past also limits the craftsman."
I'm a craftsman and eventually I'll make a bike with Nervex lugs and a one inch top tube.
I'm five feet nine inches tall and on my way to weighing under 150 pounds. For me, oversized tubing results in unnecessary stiffness and a harsh ride -- that I don't need -- and I don't intend to compensate this stiffness with blubbery tires, a suspension stem, a suspension seat post or aching hands and crotch.
I've been a craftsman first and foremost and a designer almost never. But what I have designed I've designed exceedingly well.
For me, a custom bicycle is like those Russian dolls, one within another within another. Each doll made as well as the other -- and they all have to fit together to work: Lugs, anatomy and ride.
So, I'll modify my Nervex lugset to my heart's desire. I'll use and modify other frameparts to complete the look, investment cast or not, I don't care -- I don't care because my frame will inherit its elementary strength from the tubing I'll select. Graphics and the Gruppo will complete the look. This is all Russian doll number one.
Doll number two is anatomy -- feet, butt and hands: an anatometric design within doll number three -- two contact points where the rubber meets the ground.
So, Design and execution task number one: craftsmanship Design and execution task number two: sports physiology Design and execution task number three: bicycle handlng
All done properly, my future Nervex Pro' frame will be one sweet ride, fit, and taste. That's all. - Joe Starck, Madison, Wisconsin
>
> What defines a craftsman is the whole product that's produced
> not just how pretty his filework is ... the lugs are just
> a small part of the whole.
>
> Frame design counts. Brazing skill counts. Materials used
> counts.
>
> >
> I don't want a new frame built with 531 with a 1" top tube ...
> I want my new frames built with Dedacciai Zero or True Temper
> OX Platinum or Columbus Thermachrom ... very light & very strong,
> and hey ... still luggable under a skilled torch.
>
> >
>> Keep this in mind, living in the past also limits the craftsman.
>
A true keeper of the flame should be able to bask in the glow of another mans' tourch.
; Sent: Friday, October 10, 2003 9:47 AM Subject: Re: [CR]Masi/Peter Rich Story
>
>
> Ya know ... there's a whole lot more to building a frame than
> just the three lugs and bottom bracket ...
>
> What defines a craftsman is the whole product that's produced
> not just how pretty his filework is ... the lugs are just
> a small part of the whole.
>
> Frame design counts. Brazing skill counts. Materials used
> counts.
>
> Limiting your palette to Fisher or Dubois or Nervex limits good
> chunks of the rest of your palette as well, especially your tubing
> choice.
>
> I don't want a new frame built with 531 with a 1" top tube ...
> I want my new frames built with Dedacciai Zero or True Temper
> OX Platinum or Columbus Thermachrom ... very light & very strong,
> and hey ... still luggable under a skilled torch.
>
> Yes, thank God that Kirk P. is out there doing his thing with
> lugs that are compatible with modern materials AND have enough
> meat to them that the craftsman can be as crazily artistic as
> they want to be.
>
> But on the other hand, thank God that Richard Sachs is out there
> with his very simple, delicate, understated lugs as well ...
>
> Keep this in mind, living in the past also limits the craftsman.
>
>
>
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