I agree with Brian about using 100% of your talents for craftsmanship. I also agree about Curt G. being innovative in a subtle but, efficent way. He don't need to brag, his work is evident and proven,as Richard,Brian,Joe S. and many others. I think the USA builders, the best there are, had to go through a process of doing fads because that's what the US riders wanted,the latest and greatest. Now look at the bike industry( not counting the flame bearers) Tiawan and China are the real builders for a fad concious generation. They rack their brains every 3 months to get the perfect color combo,or loose another 13 grams. I got on the wrong web site last month and jumped in on an augurment on who had the best bikes! They were talking Trek, Motobecane, Raleigh, and ect. I thought we were in the 70-80s and put in my 2 cents worth. Boy was I flamed. I made the comment about craftsmanship and French making Motobecanes, English making Raleighs, and Italians making Colganos. I was straightened out fast,that I should go visit China before degrading their bikes! By the calender we were 30 years apart,but, in reality a life time of hard work, art, craftsmanship, and pride of ownership was lost. I know some of you may ride 2006 model race bikes, suits me, it is your property. But in 2035 will you have a 20-150 bike stable full of restored 2005 and 2006 Treks and NashBars? Remember I said not counting our Frame builders. I'm not a frame builder,but, have been in pro bikes since 1972. I have all the cutters, reamers, and tools and do braze-ons, small frame repairs, lug clean-up, and paint. I know how hard it is for me to make brass go where I want it instead of where it wants to go. That fact makes me appreciate each of you even more. Hail to the torch men. I ain't never swung a leg over nothing but STEEL!
Dickey Greer
West Monroe,La