paul@hpfclk.UUCP (06/15/84)
I am in the market for a good road frame. I have looked at the Italian frames (Colnago, DeRosa, etc) and although they are *expensive* they appear to be what I'm looking for. Any experience out there on good frames? I do NOT want a criterium-type frame (steep angles, rough ride). Also, I will probably ride a 63 cm frame. Comments on Reynolds vs Columbus will be appreciated. Any good books on how to buy a frame? Paul Beiser Hewlett-Packard Ft. Collins, CO ...ihnp4!hpfcla!paul
ishizaki@saturn.UUCP (Audrey Ishizaki) (06/18/84)
I would like to recommend a book to read if interested in buying a frame: _The Custom Bicycle_. (I forgot the author) It is available in paperback, and tells quite a bit about what to consider when choosing a frame. I would also like to recommend a frame builder, if anyone is interested in a custom frame. His name is Jack Koehler and he is based in Jackson, Wyoming. (if interested, I'll post his address, if you want more info) He has an agreement with the Bicycle Outfitter in Mountain View, CA. There is one of his frames for sale there, as well as an employee with one of his frames, if you want to see a frame or talk to another satisfied customer (for you local folks). I bought a frame from him and I am REALLY pleased. I am short (5'2") and this is the first frame that fits me. I never knew what a difference that could make. I refuse to ride my old bike now, because it is not as EASY to ride. A custom frame allowed ME to make choices about the type of frame (I have a road frame), the components I wanted (I had a bunch of Campy parts -- so choices were made concerning short reach, etc), the color I wanted (I believe in beautiful bikes), PLUS a fit you wouldn't believe. I must confess that I've known Jack for years. He has a long experience with bicycles and a good background in physics. His attention to detail is astounding: my frame was sent to me (Palo Alto) from Jackson, and the forks and dropouts were perfectly adjusted, the frame was milled and ready to add parts instantly. If anybody wants to ask me about the bicycle, please do. I want to tout this framebuilder as much as possible. Audrey Ishizaki HPlabs Palo Alto, CA 415-857-5903 ...ucbvax!hplabs!ishizaki
jeff@dual.UUCP (Jeff Houston) (06/21/84)
Take a good deal of time before deciding on an expensive frame -
it pays to do some homework on each - try to find out from the
dealers the tube angles, tube material, and any components that
come along with the bike. A frame builder will be able to offer
the best fit in terms of angles and sizing - but of course you
end up shelling out up to $1000 for a custom built frame.
I have ridden on frames built with Reynolds and Columbus tubing
and have found the Columbus SL frame to handle better, although
the Reynolds frame was 2cm larger. In my experience with other
racers Columbus tubing was favored slightly more than the Reynolds
frames. Of course I have only ridden on the Columbus SL and the
Reynolds 531 SL varieties, Reynolds makes a very stiff and very
light frame called 753. The 753 frames were used for a while
by Raliegh on their top-of-the-line bike, but the major drawback
of the frame was that it was non-repairable if you ever dinged it.
I don't know if Raliegh still markets a 753 frame.
Quality of the Italian bikes varies considerably between builders,
Colnago was pretty much mass producing the standard racing frame
and quality control was a bit shoddy. I have ridden on Tommasini's
(my current racing bike), Masi's, and a Guerciotti so I have seen a
few of the Italian frames. Definitely ride a bike (if the dealer
or seller has it built up) this will give a good indication of the
bikes "feel". Don't be overcome by any feelings that might make
you think that any bike out of Italy has to be good. One nice
riding bike a friend has is the Specialized Allez which he highly
recommends, perhaps look at one of these - they are well priced
and well built.
Jeff Houston
Dual Systems Corp., Berkeley, CA
{ucbvax,ihnp4,cbosgd,amd70,zehntel,fortune,decwrl}!dual!jeff