My Deepest condolence goes out to all family and friends of Ernest. I did not meet the man, but yet somehow I feel that I know him. It all began about 9 years ago when I took delivery of a 1947 SiNGER Grand Tourisme tandem. The tandem was mostly original and intact, but it needed some serious attention to get it back to an "as new" state. The time spent carefully polishing the curvaceous lugs and and rewiring the Radios head and tail lamps gave me a chance to know the bike. All the minute and substantial details that make up this machine. Like the SiNGER cantilever brakes or minuscule top tube brake cable guides that to these 54+ year old eyes look like flecks of paint until my reading glasses are on, then I see the delicate "hair thin" cable guides. The incredible Nivex derailleur/rear wheel removal system or the SiNGER wedge seatpost-which gives such clean lines to the seat lug. I view this 1947 SiNGER tandem as a symbol of a new hope and optimism that the French and most of Europe must have felt after the liberation from years of tyranny and oppression. It is through these experiences that I feel like I know Ernest Csuka.
Sincerely,
David Martinez
Fremont Ca
US of A