Agreed, regarding the conclusion.
Regarding today's "disposable" bikes: sure they should last a while - don't think they will last as long as well built steel bikes, but they might be around for a while...specially if they are not used! But when something breaks, it is cheaper to replace the entire thing, i.e. a rim. If the rim breaks, you replace the wheel, not the rim (generally). Also, if the frame breaks, you don't repair it, you replace it. Same goes for shifters, etc. No one I know bothers repairing any part, they just replace it...or the entire bike!
Stephan Andranian Costa Mesa, CA http://www.GitaneUSA.com
gabriel l romeu <romeug@comcast.net> wrote: I do not disagree with this interpretation of Doug's mail, but still would agree with Chuck's conclusion. There is much to choose from, it is all good.
What i really question is this 'disposable' thing. I would much rather have my landfill with steel frames than the current polyester resin impregnated material, I believe the steel will degrade much quicker. Do you really think that these new lightweights are destined for a limited longevity? I am sure that the complication of the mechanisms make for fussier upkeep, but with good lubrication and proper riding style i see no reason that they should not last quite a long time. And what about the aluminum and titanium? Steel seems to be the most degradable and 'disposable'.
I love steel because i like the sense of handwork and the shifting of the work between the hand and machine, and where those boundaries are in constant flux. This differs from builder to builder (manufacturer). I like the idea of craftsmanship and where human decision making is in the particular object beyond the process, though the process and the approaches to process (in the production mode) are interesting as well.
But most of all, i love riding, i love to see others riding on anything
made of any material. The more the better, the most diversity the best.
this adds to the uniqueness of the individual bicycle, and that is
what makes it all good!
>
> So while steel, lugged bikes may still be produced by a "growing
> list" of builders, they are not reclaiming a place at the front of
> the pack or the mass market, but rather carving a small niche,
> appealing to those who enjoy custom built bikes that have character,
> and not Taiwanese-built disposable bikes...which, in the short term
> at least, are "faster!"
>
> At least that's how I interpreted Doug's email....
--
gabriel l romeu
in a rainy unriding day trying to get the CNC running properly in
chesterfield ne jersey usa
± http://studiofurniture.com Ø http://journalphoto.org ±