In a message dated 12/29/2004 2:19:08 AM Eastern Standard Time, brianbaylis@juno.com writes: As a matter of fact, I'm planning to buy a low end Bianchi with Shimano 105 components as soon as it clears the police term for used bikes. I'm going to ride it as is. I'm buying it because I like the Celeste handlebar tape, green tires, and celeste cable housing. Not bike snob behavior at all. Modernize your Masi or whatever. But as the bike gets older I feel less supportive.
Ahh, that's the Brian I know... well-reasoned opinions, tempered with tolerance and understanding. Who was that guy who posted yesterday? ;-)
Actually, after reading the first part of today's post, I think I more fully understand the use of the broad brush in yesterday's post... if I had to repair all the damage you spoke of in trying to rescue mistreated old frames, I'd probably be pretty pissed off too. And I suppose for every frame that comes in needing brazeons removed or unspreading a rear end, there's probably another guy waiting at the door with a nice original frame, wanting you to apply the very same 'improvements' you were just trying to reverse on the first frame. Or have you trained your dog to chase those guys off before they get out of their cars?
>I will be looking for a celeste saddle to go with it. I'm sure after all the
ememies I just made, no one will be making me any offers. Oh well. I probably
have one or two friends left who don't hate me for the bike snob that I am;
maybe they will help a brother out. After I show up on the cheap CroMor tubing
Shimano 105 equipt el crapo, I may lose them also!
Brian, you'll always have at least one friend left, as long as you don't mind riding your Bianchi beside a guy who's got 2003 Campy Chorus (no carbon... hey, I've got SOME standards) on a late '80s Masi. And if I see a Celeste saddle, I'll be sure to give you a holler... though if I know the guys on the list, you've already been offered a half dozen.
Bob Hovey
Columbus, GA