Re: [CR]Epitome Of Bilaminated Frames JPEGS

(Example: Events:Cirque du Cyclisme)

From: "P.C. Kohler" <kohl57@starpower.net>
To: <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>, <airart4@juno.com>
References: <20040520.201930.-88567.7.airart4@juno.com>
Subject: Re: [CR]Epitome Of Bilaminated Frames JPEGS
Date: Thu, 20 May 2004 21:41:27 -0400


My god... they really do look like French frilly knickers!

I know they are hallmark of bespoke British framemaking, etc. etc. and I have followed this fascinating thread with great interest, but I must confess the aesthetic appeal of these ornate lugs simply escapes me. I regard these frames as wonders of 1950s-60s craftsmanship and technology. Yet they resemble early Victorian industrial revolution technology which sought to camouflage their very modernity with ornate, fussy artiface. They look like early Singer sewing machines to me. Can you imagine a 1950s or 1960s sportscar with such retrograde aesthetics? Like an E-Type with faux wood side panels. Or a VC-10 with faux canvas wing covering.

Peter Kohler
Washington DC USA