Re: [CR] Definition of Bilaminates

(Example: Framebuilders:Brian Baylis)

To: pariscyclesuk@hotmail.com
Date: Sat, 22 May 2004 14:59:11 -0400
Subject: Re: [CR] Definition of Bilaminates
From: "Richard M Sachs" <richardsachs@juno.com>
cc: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org

well, thanks mick - just for the record, i think the discussion has centered around the definition of bi-lams being adornments-cum- reinforcements that were added to a fillet brazed joint to give it a faux lug appearance. imr, that's how this began. now - i'm not a history buff, so i will ask: did the builders of bronze welded frames in gb add these to their frames to create the illusion that it was a lug-ish joint because they didn't want to leave "just the fillet", or did they add them under the assumption that a fillet-ed joint wasn't strong enough and the bi-lams would bring it up to spec? e-RICHIE chester, ct

On Sat, 22 May 2004 17:38:17 +0000 "Mick Butler" <pariscyclesuk@hotmail.com> writes:

Anything that is added on after the frame is constructed. Claud Butlers, Paris, Rensch, Cottinghams and Hetchins all used this form of bilaminated

construction on some of their models. In the case of the Paris in the picture this was a fillet brazed machine or some call it welded. The bilaminates were cut from flat sheet metal formed around the tubes and silver soldered into place after the frame was constructed. This goes for

all the other frames. The Claud Butler Avant Coureur and Olympic Sprint are good examples of bilaminated construction from this maker. Hetchins fork

extensions and the ornate lug tangs on the MO and MB are indeed bilaminates as are the ornate personalized initial plates so common on Hetchins. No you can't call braze-ons bilaminates and yes some of the modern makers

use aircraft glue (Araldite) to affix these add ons. Strictly not kosher but looks the same under layers of pristine enamel. Hope this clarifies things.

Best wishes and be lucky. Michael Butler Huntingdon UK.