Re: [CR]Re: Hope from a new generation!?

Although this is quickly veering off topic, I would like to address the iss ue of modern fixed gear bikes as it pertains to the list.  One of the onl y thing that keeps it on topic is that a lot of these bikes, pre-packaged a nd targeted toward a supposed urban market, are styled after older traditio nal track bikes.  However modern fixed gears and singles speeds now sold by pretty much every major manufacturer could be more closely compared to b ike boom bikes sold to a smaller niche of buyers.  The worksmanship is no n existent and they are not really meant to last.  The Bianchi Pista is a prime example--try adjusting the chain tension after one is ridden for a y ear.  Worksmanship and durability are part of what makes on-topic and KOF bikes interesting to the list.  On-topic bikes emerged from a tradition that built products to last at the expense of profit, which is what the ma jority of the new fixed gears are the opposite of.  One could also say th at the modern interest in fixed gear bikes cultivates an interest in true o n-topic and KOF designs.  It does cultivate interest, but for the most pa rt it is neutral or non-productive.  There must be a few people obviously who started out interested in old track bikes based on the supposed urban utility, who have moved on to a genuine interest in older bikes.  In real ity these cases are few and far between.  Most often the person in this s cenario will ride around a great irreplacable bike based on the name and en d up crashing or permanently mutilating it.  A lot of these people would be riding around Raleigh chopper styled muscle bikes if the current fad ins tead. Either way the mass interest in fixed gears is not a gift to people i nterested in preserving vintage lightweights.

Nick Brunner
Brooklyn, NY, USA