Gals and Guys.......
Got to go to NAHBS because it was in my city. My first NAHBS or such type event. Obviously, very different than Cirque. The bikes were beautiful to behold each and everyone. The work and precision on each was stellar. I own a variety of nice hand built bikes: an early 80's Columbine, a Bruce Gordon, a Moulton, a 76 DeRosa, a few keirin frames, a few Hurlow built bikes....I wonder how an of those would have fared? More importantly, I wonder if I am part of what has essentially become a dead or dying hobby. 20 years from now, will people own 15-20 of the bikes I saw this weekend? I am guessing no. I completely understand why the frames cost 5k or more, but I wonder who is buying these? I'd love to be; but, while I can easily justify buying an entire Columbine for $800, it would be harder to justify buying a _________________ for $9000. I wonder if anyone will ever collect or obsess over these bikes like we do over the ones from 20-30 years ago? Outside of the two wheels and recognizable form, I am not sure if many of the bikes I saw are part of 'my hobby'.
Thankfully, Wayne Bingham was there so I could buy a NOS Edco front derailleur for $25. Likewise, Dale Brown seemed in good spirits even though his slacks were excessively ventilated at one point. I did really enjoy talking to Mark DiNucci and Dan Polito. My favorite looking bike was done by Zanconato--perhaps it was the Molteni Orange paint scheme that trapped me. The Mills Brothers seemed to be channelling the simple understated beauty of fellow NC builder Fonveille McLean.
And then adding to the perfect pessimistic storm--the list went down while the show was being held. Felt kind of lonely w/o bike things to read. You guys need to take better care of yourselves. I don't want to be the last one here turning out the lights....
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Sadiq Gill
Richmond, Virginia
US&A
Latitude: 37.58
Longitude: -77.51472