Jan. 23, 09
Dear Jan + List,
I wouldn't fixate too much on the term "tinker". I was trying to get across a certain proclivity to engage in changes and modifications, if that works better for you. I totally respect your approach, but I also ask you to respect mine, which differs from yours.
I hereby postulate that there is such an animal as an experienced rider who knows what he or she wants, but still likes to engage in modifications. For me, a bike is not a fairly immutable steady-state object. Even though I've got lots of TA Zephyr chainrings which will last me a long time, I still won't be riding one chainring for 25 years. Remember, the chainring I mount on the front also has to do with my gearing in the back, which may change as well. Put differently, even though I've got a modicum of experience, I won't be done with tinkering until the day I die.
One of the reasons I participate in this List is because I find the psychological aspect fascinating, including how different people express themselves and interact with one another. Rest assured, my previous post was not intended as a challenge, as an invitation to a pissing match, so to speak. I was simply trying to get across that I believe that more than one approach may be valid. If I may reiterate the theme you expressed concerning brake levers, to me the question of change + modification is simply a matter of personal choice, it's not a question of right and wrong. So while I will never deign to tell you what bicycle you would be better off with, this "tinkerer" asks the same in return.
Greets
Kai Hilbertz - who rides custom-built + production bikes in Munich, Germany
On 23.01.2009, at 19:42, Jan Heine wrote:
> 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