Well the authenticity has been hotly debated by some of the heavyweight experts of the list, and I'm sure the serial # has been scrutinized already. Some of the British bike gurus of the list actually were involved in previous transactions involving this frame and they remain divided as to whether it is genuine or one hell of a nice copy. So I think this is a debate that will never be resolved. And I don't usually believe in removing brazons from a bike. My view is that the addition of brazeons when refinishing is part of the natural life cycle of a classic bike. I would only remove them is they presented a problem in mounting period components. I'm content to let the authenticity debate lie unresolved and simply build up the bike with correct 60's bits on the assumption it is authentic.
Regards,
Jerry Moos Houston, Tx
Dave Patrick <patrick@aardvark-pro.com> wrote: Jerry,
I would think that an Ephgrave #1 is worth putting some effort into finding out if it is indeed authentic. Why not contact the VCC Ephgrave expert and get his opinion? He should be able to settle the question of whether this is a genuine frame or not. If it is authentic, it would then seem appropriate to have the Ephgrave restored as per original. At least that is the way I would view the issue, as I don't see much purpose in throwing a lot of parts at the bike without knowing it's real pedigree etc. Then again, your take may be drastically different.
Dave Patrick Chelsea, Michigan
-----Original Message----- From: classicrendezvous-bounces@bikelist.org [mailto:classicrendezvous-bounces@bikelist.org]On Behalf Of Jerome & Elizabeth Moos Sent: Saturday, August 14, 2004 12:11 PM To: Jerome & Elizabeth Moos; classicrendezvous@bikelist.org Subject: [CR]Ephgrave dating
I have a rather contraversial Ephgrave No. 1 frame with late 70's era brazeons which some CR members think is a fake (but a very good one), while others insist is genuine. I'm trying to decide how to build it up. Assuming the 70's brazeons were added later and the frame is authenic, it probably is one of the last few built. The info on the CR site says Les Ephgrave built his last frame around 1968 and died in 1969. Is this generally agreed? That would mean this frame might have been originally built with Campy NR, but just barely. Campy steel Record or Grand Sport might be a better choice. When were Stronglight 93 cranks introduced? What about TA CycloTourist or TA 3-arm Professional? Don't want to use Campy 151 cranks because of the limited ring selection. Mafac or Universal 61 brakes should be period. Do Weinmann 999's go back to the 60's? Or British parts - GB, Cyclo, Williams, etc.
Regards,
Jerry Moos
Houston, TX