Re: [CR]re: american builders, inspiration etc.

(Example: Racing)

In-Reply-To: <16377941.1141071245108.JavaMail.root@mswamui-andean.atl.sa.earthlink.net>
References: <16377941.1141071245108.JavaMail.root@mswamui-andean.atl.sa.earthlink.net>
From: "Steve Leitgen" <sleitgen@charter.net>
Subject: Re: [CR]re: american builders, inspiration etc.
Date: Tue, 28 Feb 2006 07:12:22 -0600
To: chasds@mindspring.com
cc: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org

What a load of.......

How many of the arguers have actually put file to tube?

Having built a few frames in my time here's how it works. First you build them like the guy who taught you. Then you start adding your own flourishes. Eventually you settle down to your own "style".

Inspiration comes from many areas. The flower you just picked for your wife, the italian bike you saw at the last race, an old Peugeot. There are only so many ways to join tubes and still end up with a ridable bike. The fact that some ones bike looks vaguely italian (or french, or british) is purely by chance. American bikes are american bikes.

Steve (who was taught by Behringer, who was taught by Brennen) Leitgen La Crosse, WI

On Feb 27, 2006, at 2:14 PM, chasds@mindspring.com wrote:
> Jerry wrote, in part:
>
> think Chuck's statement may be accurate for the West Coast. On the
> East
> Coast/Midwest, British bikes were a bigger influence as Mssrs. Sachs,
> Weigle and
> Fattic demonstrate.
>>
>
> *******
>
> I have to disagree. Richard Sachs was inspired by Masi. Period.
> And for a long time. I'm sure other builders had an influence,
> but Masi was primary. No doubt he'll correct me off-list if I'm
> wrong. I'll so report if he does.
>
> Just take a look at Sachs' frames, from the mid-70s on. They
> look like Masis. A little more performance-oriented than the
> GC, but very much an italian-style frame.
>
> Peter is more of a cameleon. His frames may be inspired
> by french touring frames now, but years ago, he's frames
> were very italian in style and substance. I had one from the
> 80s that was very upright and refined in the 80s italian manner..
> Peter built mostly racing frames for a long time, and every one
> I've seen looked more italian than anything else, from
> design, the graphics, to paint.
>
> I'm sure Peter will set me straight, if he feels like it.

>

> Charles Andrews

> SoCal