>Hi Group,
Time to chime in on this thread.
The main issue as I see it with the proliferation of newly
pantographed components is the incorrect patterns and incorrect
components that are being used for these purposes. The blatant
simplification of multi-use designs and templates to decorate
components that have never been engraved originally send alarm bells
ringing in my ears. I already know of many solid bike enthusiasts
including professional running vintage bike based businesses who have
bought these parts commenting...'Wow, I havent seen that component
pantographed before, it must be rare...I want it!!"
I dont have a problem with faithful and accurate reproductions using
correct designs with the right period correct parts that were an
original option at the time of production, but I do have a problem
with the current flow of parts that blur timelines and will confuse
future enthusiasts.
So much of the knowledge and debate we have in our interest is
focused on timelines and correct components.
We must define by way of web galleries the true original pantographed
components that were an option at time of purchase of the bikes that
were decorated in that manner. If we dont, this issue will only be
continued into the future with the chance that in a couple of
decades, anything that has been pantographed will be seen to be
original to any bike that wears the parts.
I have started to do a gallery with my Colnago pantographed
components in my flickr site, but time restraints have prevented me
from getting it fully finished and 'polished'. (Must spend more time
on the computer!!)
Greg Softley
Australia