In a message dated 3/29/2005 6:29:30 PM Eastern Standard Time, Doland.Cheung@sce.com writes:
<< With all that being said, what can be said about KOFs? My first thought was Sachs, Weigle, Baylis or Spectrum. Can anyone describe differences between these guys or propose others? >>
This is a HUGE topic which is fraught with peril as so many of these builders are absolutely wonderful and each has his/her own character and appeal.
And you left out a BUNCH of good folk. I will probably slight someone but for lugged steel in a KOF style also look at Bruce Gordon, Chris Kvale, Jamie Swann, Waterford, Doug Fattic, Belinky, Landshark, Bill Davidson, Glenn Erickson, Curt Goodrich, John Hollands, David Kirk, Llewellyn Cycles, Peter Mooney, Peter Johnson, Ed Litton, Tom Oswald, Paul Sadoff (Rock Lobster), Don Walker and Vanilla Bicycles... (Rats, I KNOW I have inadvertently left out someone! Sorry!)
I would be uncomfortable having CR members saying they like or dislike one builder over another, with those builders being members themselves and reading that! It would definitely be impolite!
The best thing to do is attend the Cirque du Cyclisme, the Handmade Bicycle Conference or the Velo Rendezvous and meet and talk to the builders and owners of the bikes.
Dale Brown
Greensboro, NC USA