[CR]Re: Rack/Fender recommendations?

Tim,
     For the rack, you have to consider the expense and how much luggage you plan to lug. While the Pletscher looks cheap, it really was what we used on everything - when we were young - until switching to Blackburn racks around 1975. Of course, I saw plenty of bikes with really nice tubular steel racks, even in the 1960s. I even saw Herse, Singer and Bob Jackson touring bikes. But all this stuff was owned by people a bit older than I, or by people my parents age. (For reference purposes, I was 16 in 1968.)
     So having said all that... if you're merely trying to support a large saddle bag, the Pletscher sufficient and super-authentic. Note that there were 2 types of Pletscher mounting hardware. There was the original simple clamp, and later they supplied this strap that you wrapped around the seat stays. later, they supplied those "T" shaped fixtures t oprevent the rack from slipping down. Actually, there were 2 styles of "T" shaped fixtures, but it will be impossible to describe their differences (at least for me) without a photo. If you must use a Pletscher, I'd recommend using the earlier style clamp and a "T" fixture.
     Now, if you're trying to carry something heavier, go with the Blackburn rack. Pretend it's 1975 and you've decided to use this new type of rack on a bike you've already owned for a couple of years. If you have money to burn, buy a Velo-Orange rack and use the centrally mounted stainless steel strut. Then you can pretend it's 1968 and you can sneer at the uncouth fools who continue to use the awful Pletscher. :-)
     As for fenders... I was going to stop by your shop and ask you for recommendations! Which easily available modern (and reasonably priced) fender has the most Retro appearance? Silver ESGE fenders? Velo-Orange? Gilles Berthoud?
     Good luck,
     Fred Rednor - Arlington, Virginia (USA)