I just spent an hour or so with the mechanic at my shop watching him prepare my freshly painted Montelatici for it's headset and bottom bracket. As the frame had never been built, it is basically an entirely new, old bicycle. I will be the first person to ride it, ever. I know Brian Baylis has 2 or 3 of these NOS Italian imports now, but to me this is pretty exciting.
Since I'm usually working, I don't usually have the opportunity to just sit and watch Kris do his thing, much less have him explain at every step as he faced the bottom bracket and prepared the head tube and fork for the head set and crown race bearing. Kris also set up my Waterford for me, but I pretty much missed the whole thing - I handed him a frame and my King headset and Phil bottom bracket and he handed me a frame with headset and bottom bracket installed and I took it home and made a bicycle.
I have to say, he was very careful and through and used a lot of cutting oil where needed! I got to see tools come off the wall that don't get used very often, used very capably.
I've spent a long time collecting bits and pieces for my bicycle and it is really exciting to see that box of parts on my dresser finally get put to use.
I'll post some pics on my website as soon as the Monte is complete and the day is nice.
Ann Phillips, Decatur GA I have too many bicycles and not enough hooks in my living room.