Subject: [CR]Welded Ti frames Keeper of the Flame?
Dale wrote:
> Actually inclusion [in the CR list] of the Speedwells and Teledynes is
just luck, due to their
> date of manufacture, as their makeup does not fit what I envision as a
> handcrafted product where aesthetics and identifiable differentiation is a
strong
> part of their persona. They really were the harbinger of a modern era
where
> bikes with character were to almost disappear.
> Certainly filet brazed frames also stretch this definition, but in this,
the
> entirety of the bike often is of the "Constructeur" approach where those
individualistic end goals are met.
I'm sure that if Dale had seen the Italian Pasoni hand crafted tig welded titanium frames seen by me at various Milan shows prior to 1983, he would cheerfully include them in his listing. The titanium tubes were rolled and seam welded from flat stock, the seat post and hardware, the handlebar and stem, and even fittings like the wheel quick releases were all hand fabricated and tig welded with titanium. Simply unbelievable craftsmanship and I've built enough frames to not be easily impressed!
Hugh Enox