At 12/14/2007 07:43 PM -0500, Dr. Paul Williams wrote:
>What rationale do others use for their collecting?
My goal is to have as diverse a collection as possible of English bicycles. Not just lightweights, as all sorts of bicycles seem to have played a significant role in the cycling culture there. I've a rod braked 28" wheel roadster, a 16" tyred Moulton and just about everything in between. Most with various 3, 4 or 5 speed internal hub gears.
I'm not one to appreciate subtleties, but all of my bikes are so different from one another that they provide very unique riding experiences. The English framebuilding shop subculture is fascinating to me, so my pride and joy is a Jack Taylor Lugged Tourist. As an occasional framebuilder and recumbent builder, my twin Holy Grails would be to to find a Bi-Laminated Claude Butler and an early 'bent, ideally an F. W. Grubb.
I look for bikes with interesting histories and some of my favorites look like 1/2 the paint has been worn away. There are those who like pristine bikes, whether little used or fully restored, while others prefer bikes with "patina". My meager finances place me firmly in the latter group.
Mark Stonich;
BikeSmith Design & Fabrication
5349 Elliot Ave S. - Minneapolis. MN 55417
Ph. (612) 824-2372 http://bikesmithdesign.com
http://mnhpva.org