[CR]Feedback on Rene Herse Tandem

(Example: Component Manufacturers:Ideale)

Date: Wed, 30 Apr 2008 22:26:10 -0400 (EDT)
From: <wheelman@nac.net>
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Subject: [CR]Feedback on Rene Herse Tandem

A fellow CR member offered their opinion of the RH Tandem bike. I fairness it is not a glowing review but with serious money being asked it should be noted. I will only post personal messages to me only with the permission of the sender. Here is a direct quote copied from the message to me with permission from that sender.

"Ray,

OFFLIST

When we looked over your tandem at the Cirque in 2005, we noticed a few issues:

1. The frame was rechromed at some point, and the polisher put some serious wavy marks into the tubes. I have seen many chrome-plated bikes, both Herse and others, but never anything as poorly polished as your frame.

2. If I recall correctly, there was some issue with the front seat lug, which had been drilled on the left side? I have no idea why, perhaps somebody used a seatpost that was too small, and couldn't keep it from slipping. Your photos all show the right side of the bike, but even so, I see some shims or something at the front seatpost.

3. A minor detail: Rene Herse racks always were chrome-plated. Yours are painted black, probably because they had rusted.

In your description, you mention a Rene Herse seatpost. I do not think Herse made seatposts... If you have one that nobody knows about, you may want to sell it separately, as it would be worth serious money.

I thought I should tell you (OFFLIST) before you sell the tandem, as many buyers would be upset to find out about the frame damage after the receive the tandem."

This is my response.

1. The plating to me looks pretty good but with all the photos available you can be the judge for yourself. Also, if anyone wants to view the bike in person they are certainly welcome to contact me and arrange that.

2. The front seat lug is shown in one of the many photos. With so many photos I can see how it would be easy to miss. It has a set screw in the side that fits directly into a key slot in the seat post to prevent it from turning. See this photo...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/26088205@N02/2448507269/

3. The racks are black not chrome.

I guess I stand corrected about the seat post being Rene Herse but it does look original to the bike.

As for the frame being described as damaged because of poor plating, again you be the judge. I don't know if the bike was replated as I acquired it from an institution and not from the owner.

That is the best I can offer but again I will post all information I get on this bike so you are better informed as to what fellow list members think of it.

Ray Homiski
Elizabeth, New Jersey, United States.