Re: [CR]is a frame "custom" w/stock lugs?

(Example: Humor)

To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Date: Tue, 11 May 2004 18:28:18 -0400
Subject: Re: [CR]is a frame "custom" w/stock lugs?
From: "Richard M Sachs" <richardsachs@juno.com>


Fred Rafael Rednor <fred_rednor@yahoo.com> writes: If I were to visit the tailor and purchase a made-to-measure suit would it only be considered "custom made" if I have contrasing color piping or epaulets or some special flap on the pockets? (If for some reason the answer is "yes" please stop reading right now and let's simply agree to disagree.) I ask this question because everyone I know who is familiar with the term considers "bespoke frame" and "custom frame" to be synonomous, as is also the case with clothing (unless perhaps you're Michael Jackson). "Bespoke frame" is the preferred term in Britain and I almost wish it were used here, just to avoid this sort of argument. Cheers, Fred Rednor - Arlington, Virginia

people "here" think "custom" applies to any frame whose order pre'exists the build. as the english say, "bullocks". "custom" is a dear term and i believe its use may be more app- ropriate with bicycles than with frames. the literal translation would have clients NOT ONLY asking for a fleur-de-lis here and purple chromatic paint there, but telling the builder to use this top tube and that angle and this seat stay treatment. as far as i'm concerned, there's no middle ground; if a builder will deliver ANYTHING that the client signs off on, he's making a custom frame in the literal sense. if the builder vetoes some of the requests because he can't stomach putting his name on a science project, but still concedes to construct a well fitting, well balanced, well constructed, and well golly - a well finished frame, it's a made-to-order frame, NOT a custom one. i'm a long time clothes horse with many inspirations drawn from within the bounderies of jermyn street; e.g. i won't wear tires unless the stripes descend "from the heart" and not the other icky direction. ergo, i'm overly sensitive to the semantics used to describe what "we" do. e-RICHIE............And the gang!!!!!!! chester, ct