Re: [CR] Why do older frames have only one set of bottle bosses?

(Example: Framebuilders)

Date: Wed, 28 Apr 2010 02:34:10 +0000 (UTC)
From: <joeb-z@comcast.net>
To: michael haddad <haddawad399@hotmail.com>
In-Reply-To: <BLU131-W25BD4CC5A5A9649761CBD0E6020@phx.gbl>
Cc: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Subject: Re: [CR] Why do older frames have only one set of bottle bosses?

Well, the corollary is why did jerseys lose front pockets. There are lots of places to carry water, the handlebars or the rear pockets. Plus where do you put the pump if you need to support yourself while you train. Boy, have you ever run out of water? It is awful on a long ride.

Joe Bender-Zanoni
Whitneyville, CT

----- Original Message -----
From: michael haddad
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Sent: Tuesday, April 27, 2010 9:14:07 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern
Subject: [CR] Why do older frames have only one set of bottle bosses?

I find that on-topic frames (like my 1984 Cinelli, 1983 Pinarello & 1978 Masi) tend to have bottle cage bosses only on the down tube. I know that 2 bottles were needed for most road races (even in the 80's), so why only one set?

The only thing I can think of is that the braze-ons might weaken the seat tube, but then why have them on the down tube?

I have been curious about this and would be interested in hearing a definitive answer or some good theories.

Regards to all,

Michael Haddad

Brooklyn, NY, USA