I was able to get out of my booth for a short time and chatted with Richard Schwinn at Waterford. He had a beautiful tall Waterford that I thought was chrome but was actually polished 953. It was a homage to the 1973 Paramount, but amazing light for a 60cm frame. While we were talking, the builders from Independent Fabrications game over to look at the frame, as they had a 953 at their booth as well. From what they were saying, it's very hard on tools, but fairly easy to work with otherwise.
Thanks again to everyone who attended the Interbike CR meeting. It was great to see everyone, and a big thanks to Dale for co-hosting and bringing the bagels!
Cheers, Mark Ritz Roasting coffee in Arcata, CA, USA http://www.kinetic-koffee.com
Dale sez < I think that the lugged frame has it's niche... The young crowd, seeking alternatives to what they see as a glitzy, yuppy, elitest cycling scene, have embraced steel both lugged, filet brazed and tigged. This is still a relatively small group but certainly more than the babby boomer folks (us) who have appreciated this style bike all along. There is no question that vintagesque bikes and bike components are having a modest revival.
I did not notice a 953 tubed frame but there very well may have been one. > end