Michael,
Bravo and well written. The concept as it seems to want to be applied here of "best" sort of doesn't belong, in my opinion. Really, pretty much everything is good. If you want better or best; poke around until you find things you like and take pleasure in the fact that you have found them and can enjoy them. And you can enjoy them on any level you please. It's one of life's simple pleasures. Scrapping over what is "best" sort of takes the fun out of it for some people. Dig your stuff for what it is; not what it is not.
Brian Baylis
La Mesa, CA
USA
Back to bikes. Like you, I've owned and ridden many bikes. I have my favorites. When I got a Pogliaghi track bike a few weeks ago, I tidied it up, put on wheels from my beloved 1950s Frejus and took it out. It is 1cm larger than the Frejus, but I still had no trouble getting comfortable on it. Now if you read about these two bikes on line, you will find the Frejus is given credit for being a nice bike , but nothing special is called out other than their beauty ("mediocre workmanship",-Sheldon Brown). Sante Pogliaghi, by contrast, is often grouped with Cino Cinelli and Faliero Masi and spoken of with the reverence accorded minor deities. After riding the Pog, I respect it. The Frejus, by contrast, makes me want to write love poetry. It makes me tremble. I love my wife, but oh you bike! It feels like a part of me when I ride. The Pogliaghi is an excellent bicycle. It feels good to ride. As I said, I respect it. Others may love it: not me. This is why "the best" doesn't apply to saxes, canoes, cars or bicycles. Or husbands and wives. There is the element of love, composed of conscious and subconscious associations with pleasant things, unmeasurable sensations and indescribable qualities, which informs our relationship with important people and things. Fine bikes, cars, saxes, e.g. are built and appreciated by passionate people, far more than microwaves and cell phones. Michael Shiffer EuroMeccanica, Inc. 114 Pearl Street Mount Vernon, NY 10550 (914) 668-1300 euromeccanicany.com