[CR] My new frame: KOF Willis

Dear List:

Attached to this message is a link to a web page where Steve Willis, proprietor of the Bike Stand in Scotch Plains, NJ shows the progress on the frame he is buiding for me.  Steve's shop is probably the spiritual home to the retro grouch and vintage maven in New Jersey, and Steve has been building some frames here and there for many years.  So when the Jersey Fat Men club (closely associated to Steve's shop) was founded, I had to have a Willis team Fat Men frame. 

Build details are that the frame is going to be for day riding with 650b wheels and Paul centerpull brakes with brazed on pivots, fenders and racks provided for, and lugged steel (naturally) with oversize tubes, to compliment an oversize rider. 

I have a nice feeling for this project.  It's sorta harmonizes with the romantic image of the old world olde tyme shoppe owner, who took care of his customers during the summer and in the off season would braze up a few frames for his most loyal riders.  Of course we now know that lots of shops subcontracted the work from full time builders, but I still feel romantic about shop labeled frames.  Too bad I can't think of anyone else in the whole USA (certainly not any place like Greensboro) who ever did anything like this.

I look forward to riding this bike!

http://thebikestand.com/toms-buildup.html

Tom Adams
Manhattan, KS USA