Re: [CR]Just not quite right

(Example: Framebuilders:Brian Baylis)

From: <NortonMarg@aol.com>
Date: Thu, 19 Feb 2004 23:34:42 EST
Subject: Re: [CR]Just not quite right
To: marcus.e.helman@gm.com, classicrendezvous@bikelist.org


In a message dated 2/19/04 10:38:03 AM Pacific Standard Time, marcus.e.helman@gm.com writes:
> All in all a beautiful frame, but it never had that zip. I didn't feel
> fast on the bike. I'm not fast anyway, but some bikes at least provide the
> illusion. Over the years I tried different components seats and stems, but
> nothing seemed to help. Finally I sold it for less than I paid for it,
> even with the shop discount.
>
> Maybe it was just chemistry.
>
> The worst thing was that I sold a Galmozzi to buy it, because the Ritchey
> was cooler and had more prestige. It was certainly a prettier frame. I
> don't miss the Ritchey, but I would love to find that old Galmozzi.
>

An awful lot of that is in the measurements. All of this applies to both bikes: what is the seat angle? bb height? rear center? front center? tt length? head angle? fork rake?

Notice I didn't even ask about the seat tube length? If you don't know the seat angle, the top tube length is close to meaningless.

I've known a lot of people over the years who have done just what you did. The advice I always give now is: Don't EVER sell a bike you really, really love (or just like a lot) to get another bike that is an unknown quantity. Set your bike aside, build the new one and ride it for a season or two. Then pull your old bike out and if it just doesn't do it for you anymore, then go ahead, sell it.

All those measurements above? If you don't know what those are on the bikes you like, how will you ever even know if something new is even close to what
you know you like?
Stevan Thomas
Alameda, CA