Re: [CR]KOFs and the market.

(Example: Books:Ron Kitching)

Date: Thu, 09 Mar 2006 21:11:46 -0600
From: "John Thompson" <JohnThompson@new.rr.com>
Organization: The Crimson Permanent Assurance
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Subject: Re: [CR]KOFs and the market.
References: <E1FHXk3-0006XL-3c@elasmtp-junco.atl.sa.earthlink.net>
In-Reply-To:


Roman Stankus wrote:
> Louis was talking about the frame weight - not the complete bike.

That may be, but even so I think "half the weight" is more an extravagant verbal flourish than reality. There are only so many ways to reduce a frame's weight, and if you're using steel (as you would with a KOF frame) you have even fewer options. Tube thickness below a certain point is structurally unsound -- think "beer can." With bikes that limit is about 0.5mm wall thickness. For a durable bike you'll need a thicker wall, say 0.8mm or 0.9mm -- about the same as Reynold 531 or Columbus SL back in the day. Modern investment cast lugs, shells, and crowns are seldom lighter than the old pressed pieces, so where are you going to cut the weight, if not in the components?

--
John (john@os2.dhs.org)
Appleton WI USA