At 12:15 PM 7/29/2006, brianbaylis@juno.com wrote:
> One long time builder remarked that
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>it takes building lots of frames to become an "expert" and get to
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>where you really know what you're doing; and if you don't build
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>enough you won't be that good at it. That is pure foolishness and
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>comes from someone who is obviously trying to keep the process a
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>mystery. Any idiot knows that framebuilding is pretty simple in the
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>basic form and most anyone with reasonable motor skills, some
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>patience, and a good dose of common sense, and a little practice, can
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>build excellent bike frames.
Yikes Brian. It seems there's a bee up your bonnet. While I agree wholeheartedly frame building isn't terribly complicated it isn't that simple either. Anyone can stick a frame together and usually it will stay together and ride okay. But does that mean it can't be improved upon? Of course not and you know that. One thing for everyone to remember is that it's virtually IMPOSSIBLE to make a frame that's un-rideable. With that in mind, when people say their first frame rides okay that should hardly be considered a benchmark. I know my first frame was fine and I'm sure Brian your's was too but does it resemble anything like what you do today? I doubt it. Mine certainly doesn't. I guess what I'm saying is frame building is like any other craft. The more you do it the better one gets. Take plumbing for instance. I can stick a few copper tubes together but am a plumber? No. How can I become a plumber? Through instruction and practice. Not unlike frame building. Take musicians for instance. Anyone can learn a few chords on the guitar but that doesn't mean they can play the guitar. After some practice and instruction one could play "Mary had a little lamb" on the guitar. Then one could claim to play the guitar but still there's room for improvement. Wouldn't you agree? So how is that different than frame building? I don't think what I've written in any way can be construed as somehow trying keep frame building a mystery. If anything I think it simply points out the reality. I also don't know of anyone that is trying to keep frame building a mystery. I think I have a good idea who you are alluding to and I've got to say you are off base and I might add out of line. This sort of thing is mean spirited and baseless. I know you have a big heart Brian but these sort of cheap shots don't come from your heart. Please stop. You'll do yourself a favor. There's room for everyone at the table.
Curt Goodrich
Minneapolis, MN