Howdy folks.
Something that I haven't seen mentioned in this KOF thread is that for a lot of folks who haven't been into bikes for years wouldn't even know anything about fine lugged frames if it weren't for Grant Petersen's influence through Bridgestone then Rivendell. I have a Joe Starck Rivendell and I love it. That said, they used to be a lot less expensive and I know a lot more about bikes now. Now I would probably go for a Curt Goodrich over another Rivendell (just an example), but I suspect Curt would not be very well known at all if it weren't for Rivendell. Builders like Sachs and Baylis have always been busy, but I personally think that a lot of other builders have more business today due to Rivendell's market presence than they would otherwise. For whatever reason, Grant has been able to influence (I think) the entire industry and I can't think of anybody else outside of Cannondale/Trek/etc. that has done that...
Doug Van Cleve Chandler, AZ
On Thu, 31 Mar 2005 10:06:54 -0500, Bingham, Wayne R. <WBINGHAM@imf.org> wrote:
> I have a high regard for Grant Peterson (ever since his days at
> Bridgestone), and respect and admire what he's doing with Rivendell.
> Personally, however, I'd be ponying up for a Goodrich before buying one
> of Grant's offerings. For me, the opportunity (and the difference)
> would be too good to pass up. Which one is going to be the real
> collectable in the future?
>
> In the world of the classic diamond bicycle frame, we all live in an
> amazing time of opportunity and choices. And in the world of KOF
> builders, the same holds true. Indeed, maybe more so than in many other
> times. Why aren't more of "us" beating down the doors of Bruce Gordon
> and the rest? (I'm not really seeking an answer to that question, just
> think about it from your own perspective within the context of this
> "hobby".)
>
> And go support your independent KOF framebuilder.
>
> Wayne Bingham
> Lovettsville VA