Re: [CR]Concerning fork stiffeners

(Example: Framebuilders:Norman Taylor)

Date: Thu, 25 Dec 2003 21:04:26 -0800
From: "Greg & Darlene Pitman" <gpit@ix.netcom.com>
To: Classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Subject: Re: [CR]Concerning fork stiffeners


Having worked with Francisco in the mid 70's, this rang a bell with me.

So, while dashing back and forth to the barbecue in the pouring rain, preparing Christmas dinner, I made a detour to the garage. Looked at my Cuevas frame (serial #026) and found no X stiffener. Yet I seem to remember him doing this at some point. Possibly he was starting to do this at about the time he built my frame. Getting explanations from Francisco was difficult in that he spoke almost no English and I, although trying hard, had not learned much Spanish at that time. Much of our communication was done in sign language.

I realize that this doesn't answer the question, but I would find it interesting to see other frames built before and after mine and see if the stiffener is there. Also, did another manufacturer use the X insert? If so, might he have seen that and started to incorporate it into his technique? There certainly doesn't seem to be a broad base of information on Francisco's work. Must still be a lot of his frames out there.

I remember Francisco riding his Cinelli rollers in the back room of 14th St. Bicycles at 60 years of age. He was my hero. I hope others are preserving his work.

Greg Pitman Rancho Cucamonga, CA

In a message dated 12/25/2003 9:28:47 AM Eastern Standard Time, gregb51@lycos.com writes: What criteria did builders use to decide whether or not to use these fork stiffeners, & what do they actually do?

I don't know the answer to that one but I've always wondered why Francisco Cuevas used the X stiffener inside the bottom of the steerer tube. I suspect it was to keep the steerer tube from deflecting during rough riding, but I have no idea whether it worked and if so, why don't others use it? Lou Deeter, Orlando Fl