Re: [CR] CR rider "Q"

(Example: Framebuilders)

In-Reply-To: <791144.78786.qm@web34201.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
References: <F85D6AEF131E4D079FAA6A9201C7B5AD@D8XCLL51>
Date: Mon, 9 Feb 2009 15:05:18 -0500
From: "Harry Travis" <travis.harry@gmail.com>
To: <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
Subject: Re: [CR] CR rider "Q"


It surprises me that fork material and design gets so little attention, except for some contrarian thinking of Matt at Kogswell in reviving porteurs of off-topic construction, and Jan Heine's insistent re-introduction of the subject with respect to increased rake and reduced trail.

Why is it that many KOF builders do not offer steel forks as standard? It is appropriate to ask that here, because many of you have commissioned or ordered stock KOF framesets, so you know what you've been told by the builders and other sources to inform your decision on the fork

In short: Why a brazed steel frame, and CF fork?

Harry Travis Washington, DC USA+

On Mon, Feb 9, 2009 at 9:51 AM, Fred Rednor <fred_rednor@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
> > I've enjoyed the threads on the what do I ride theme.
> > I'm surprised no one has ventured into the ride quality
> > difference
> > between the various materiels, or combos thereof.
> > That would seem to be right up our road or track as it
> > were.
> > Comparing similar model bikes of each in an objective manor
> > should be a great topic.
>
> Ted,
>
> My "modern" bike is lightweight steel (Columbus EL, NOT oversized) with a
> carbon fiber fork. The frame was custom built by John Hollands of
> Baltimore. I can hardly believe I dare announcing to the CR list that I
> like the CF fork. I've crashed this bike and the frame needed repair,
> although the fork always emerged unscathed. Those repairs were not cheap,
> though: $500 for one incident, and about $200 for the other. Oh, the bike
> has indexed shifting.
>
> Frankly, if I were doing serious road racing, I'd buy an all CF bike.
> Right now, my limited amount of racing is on the velodrome, or TTs I do on
> the track bike. For this purpose, my old steel Waterford is fine. And for
> this purpose, the wheels make the difference.
>
> For touring, I prefer all steel - also with indexed shifting. I hope this
> isn't too much subtlety for the "true believers" on the CR list. :-)
> Best regards,
> Fred Rednor - Arlington, Virginia (USA)