I must respectfully but strenuously disagree. I've done long rides and brevets and I've changed chainrings based upon the terrain of a particular ride. I even changed the crankset on my Weigle randonneuse to a modern compact to give me lower gearing. That's a perfect example of what Kai is talking about; being able to make changes to the bike because of changing technology. Compact cranks were not very prevalent when the Weigle was built but they make great sense now, as evidenced by the fact that you are using them. Perhaps Peter should have outfitted the bike with a old fashion T.A. with compact-like ring sizes and fashioned a brazed-on front hanger, a la Singer. But he didn't and I'm glad. Now I have much more flexibility. Also, that Singer you ride was not originally made for you, was it? If that is the case, you are indeed fortunate that the original owner specified what he did. If extremely large or small rings had been originally specified you'd be stuck with them as your front derailleur is not moving up or down your seat tube, at least not without a torch. I would think a braze-on front would be much more sensible on a dedicated special purpose bike, such as a TT or hill climb bike where it would be highly unlikely to change gearing. IMHO, a randonneuring bike should be much more adaptable to varying types of rides, terrain and riding ability. George Allen Lexington, KY USA
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
> _______________________________________________
>
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