Re: [CR]Hetchins

(Example: Framebuilders:Rene Herse)

Date: Sat, 1 Nov 2003 15:38:39 GMT
To: stevens@veloworks.com
Subject: Re: [CR]Hetchins
From: <brianbaylis@juno.com>
cc: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org

Steven,

I had heard that there was a Hetchins being built using Pacenti lugs. Since I have a certain fondness for Hetchins and own a few myself, I was curious how they would go about it. Thanks for the photos.

I have seen quite a few lug designs that have originated from the Pacenti lugs. One thing I have noticed. Many people have taken the basic lug and "reworked" them, as they were intended; but very few of the designs are what I personally consider well balanced, creative, and pleasing designs. There is a lot of real estate on those lugs and it provides a lot of opportunities; the trick is taking what is there and making something exceptional out of it. It's not easy.

I was expecting something more "Hetchinslike" from them. Ironically, Paul from Rock Lobster modified some Pacenti lugs which looked like the Magnum Opus lug style. I thought that was an interesting look for the Pacenti lugs. The Hetchins approach looks a little odd for my taste. But it is unique. Hetchins adds the prestamped "bits" to standard lugs to accomplish their lug patterns. A little easier than cutting things by hand or adding raw material to lugs, but an interesting outcome, none the less.

Brian Baylis
La Mesa, CA