At 7:23 PM +0100 1/23/09, Kai Hilbertz wrote:
>I believe I understand the historical context behind Singer's
>braze-on front derailleurs, but I can't agree with the statement
>that there should "never" be the need to raise or lower the front
>derailleur. I speak only for myself, but for me a bicycle is all
>about choice, and a braze-on front derailleur limits my ability to
>make evolutionary changes in the course of the years of using a
>given bike. For that reason I don't like them at all, even on custom
>bikes. Of course, that's only me, and they may be fine for many
>folks. But for tinkerers like me, "never" doesn't fit too well.
A constructeur bike isn't intended for tinkerers. It's intended for experienced riders who know what they want - people who are done with tinkering.
If I order a new bike with the front derailleur placed for a 48-tooth chainring, I know that will last me at least 25 years. I know I don't need a bigger ring. I may go to a 46-tooth as I age, but that won't be a problem.
By the time I need a 44-tooth, the bike will need a repaint anyhow, and we'll move the braze-ons.
A tinkerer is better off with a production frame that can be adapted (and exchanged) as the rider's needs change, rather than a custom-built Alex Singer.
Jan Heine
Editor
Bicycle Quarterly
140 Lakeside Ave #C
Seattle WA 98122
http://www.vintagebicyclepress.com