I wholeheartedly agree with Peter Kohler on this. Another totally OTT
example is the Holdsworth Whirlwind where stamped frilly shapes were added
to extend decoration of fancy lugs. Even to the point of wrapping these
"patches" around the seatstays above and below the brake bridge.
For sheer elegance in lug shape look at a late 1940's early 50's Spear
lugged Gillott. There is a horizontal element in the lug cut that lines up
with the tube. It makes the bike look as though it is going fast even though
it is standing still. It reminds me of the effect given to Norton
"Featherbed'' framed motorcycles.
Artists talk of composition in a drawing or painting. It concerns the
placement of elements and shapes in the image that draw the eye from place
to place in a pleasing manner. Lugs should do the same. The eye should be
seduced, drawn in. Then gently guided along to the next element be it a
decal, gear lever or braze on. Then it is briefly ensnared by a chain
wheel before a short journey to a wheel from where it is sent back into the
seductive diamond of the frame.
Next time you look at a painting try and realise your eyes' journey around
the composition and then apply that "Eye" to a bicycle. I think you'll find
it very rewarding.
Mark Stevens..who hasn't smoked anything and does'nt want to teach you
to suck eggs..
Dingwall Scotland.