A few months ago, some members again raised objection to discussions concerning framebuilding, and in particular, the elements of inspiration and aesthetics. As a result of this, one of the premier builders, whose work is unquestionably in the hot blue part of the "flame", decided to no longer participate in the list. I think that was unfortunate.
My personal opinion is that those who would choose to eliminate such topics have a relatively shallow historical perspective. Aesthetics is as much a part of the science as is what wrench is best to use to get at what bolt. Dale has responded to this again, and since it is his call, can't we leave it at that. I resent people other than the rule maker suggesting what I should or should not be able to read here, or offer dialogue upon.
Today was the event Poly Japan, a annual assemby of classic bike enthusiasts and their bikes that takes place at a hot spring lodge in the town where I reside. The theme this year was bikes without mudguards(?), which unfortunately eliminated the wonderful assortment of Herse and Toei that usually show up for this party. There were a few nice bikes, but far less than in previous years. One in particular was a Puch with a very strange fork crown with a large chromed oval hole in the middle of it. I stuck my index finger half the way down into it, and it was smooth all the way. It was beautifully done and intrigueing, but with relatively little metal left over, it sure appeared weak in the event of a crash. The exquisite Herse pista that I had previously swooned over didn't make it this year either. I took a few photos that I may be able to share if they turn out. I met Scott Davis and John Baron there. They came to participate in the swap, and one that recently took place in Tokyo. I crashed on my way up to the lodge, banging up both knees pretty good, so I wasn't in the best of moods to kibbitz. They looked like they were having fun. I didn't stick around for the swap, having cut out after the ol' knees started to swell.
Dennis Young Hotaka, Japan
We could circumvent all this discussion about framebuilding (isn't
>> there a list somewhere for this anyway) by restricting list topics
>> to bikes built before 1983 and doing away with the "keepers of the
>> flame" clause that gives rise to it all in the first place. Just a thought.
>>
>> Bruce
>> Dundee
>> Scotland
>>
>> --