In response to Emily O'Briens enquiry John Wood wrote ''When you look at racing bikes from the 50's , they have pretty much identical geometry to modern touring bikes. I personally feel that this is the geometry that is best for most people, and for most riding, on most roads. But of course I live in rural Montana, where a stretch of smooth pavement is about as common as a vegetarian restaurant. We have 'em, but just don't expect to find one very often. John Wood'' Harry Carrington of Gillott's always favoured longer chainstays and relaxed angles typical of modern touring bikes for Mass start and Time Trials. The theory being that 'comfort 'was the key to speed. I would add to that 'control', the sense of which gives the confidence to go faster. He was reacting to a trend just post war for steep heads, long top tubes and short wheelbases. I have a 1947-8 F H Scott ''Dragon'' Road/Path which has these characteristics and boy is it twitchy. It does not inspire confidence. It's not one of those bikes which you feel wants to ''go'' except into the ditch if you turn to check the traffic. I shall post some photos of it over on Tim Gunn's new UK Forum when I get the chance. And the weather..
Mark Stevens snow and Blizzards in Evanton Scotland.