I kept hearing that we need to keep KoF builders in business. The question that kept popping into my head was, "why?".
Lets say I'm Joe Biker and I've been promoted from middle management to a corner office. I've decided to upgrade from my Luxoclunk 500 bike to a real ridin' machine. On TV ol' Lance puts a whole bunch o' miles on one of those fancy Treks. I go down to my LBS and they are ready to fit me on one of those fancy plastic bikes. For a "mere" $6K I can get Lance's machine with a pseudo custom paint job. It'll be ready in a couple of weeks and will includes one of those pedal things with three sprockets in the front so's I can grunt my healthy but slightly over weight butt up the hill. As I'm contemplating my purchase this strange guy with a wild look in his eye comes in with what can best be described as a "well loved" bike. "Bruce Gordon" is faintly discernible on the down tube. The strange guy launches into a rant on "ride" and "steel being alive". When no one is looking I lift each bike. One is remarkably heavier. So what is my (Joe Biker) first thought?
Overweight POS.
Over 30 years of riding I've ridden them all. Steel, alu, 'bents and plastic. They all have a soul. Each one different. So I disagree with those who say carbon has no soul. (I enjoy the challenge of older bikes which is why I'm on the list) I was getting to the point where I was asking why support old technology for a new bike?
Bruce answers things very well on his website. (And better than anyone so far on the list) Bruce is right, Bruce is right, Bruce is right! So thank you Bruce Gordon for educating me. There are things you can only do with steel.
Steve Leitgen La Crosse, WI USA
On Nov 7, 2006, at 4:17 PM, Tonythreerings@aol.com wrote:
> I was the first and I think only person (to date) to take Bruce up
> on his
> challenge and as a result I have a beautiful custom frame that
> rides, fits,
> handles exactly the way I want. And it's a beauty. And it has
> nothing to do with
> loaded touring--I told Bruce I wanted a comfortable, speedy bike
> for long rides
> and lots of climbing and that's what I got--not an overweight POS.
> And I agree
> that if we want KOF builders to keep building lugged steel bikes,
> someone has
> to buy them.
> Plus I got to spend a little time with Bruce and put those
> curmudgeon rumors
> to rest.
> Aaron
>
>
> Aaron Lipstadt
> Hollywood, CA