I've hesitated to jump in here, and been trying to gather my thoughts. I am
absolutely sure Chuck was right about taking a frame and putting new
bearings and proper adjustment, etc. into its set up and it feels like a
new bike. Much like auto racers often refer to a "tired" engine. Just
needs some refurbishment usually and some wisdom in correcting its problems.
The discussion has woven in and out of the difficulties of scientific
measurement at the tiniest levels that are likely to affect even similar
models from individual frame to frame.
Now come even more problems. Both bike raiders and audiophiles often swear
by tiny aesthetic differences that probably do defy measurement...even if
real. Some are real, some are the person kidding themselves, not foolishly,
but I think more filtered through their expectations and wishful thinking.
These are about as individual as the rider or listener and really defy
measurement. Then there are further variables such as bearing adjustments,
tires and tire pressure, the riding surface and winds and others that,
though real, may be taken to be the result of the frame when really they
may arise elsewhere.
This would seem to be an attitude I am presenting that would negate much
objective measurement by portraying it as futile, but not so. I think we
measure the easy stuff and let it influence our buying decisions and riding
satisfaction. However this only a small part of it all.
In the end it all seems to come down to riding enough to know what you
like...not too much else matters. Even this is complicated by the fact that
the more you ride...perhaps the better or stronger rider you become... the
more your tastes and appreciation may change. I have noticed that it is a
very rare rider, no matter how experienced, who is not searching for some
aspect of improved enjoyment in his cycling experience. I think the reason
so few of us seem to ever arrive at just what we want is that it is a moving
target and not at all static.
I have probably failed to communicate my feelings here adequately and this
was just why I hesitated to jump in. This is very difficult to get right in
words.
Tom Sanders
Lansing, Mi