Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: version B 2.10.1+some 2/3/84; site dual.UUCP Path: utzoo!linus!decvax!ucbvax!dual!jeff From: jeff@dual.UUCP (Jeff Houston) Newsgroups: net.bicycle Subject: Re: Looking for a good frame Message-ID: <609@dual.UUCP> Date: Wed, 20-Jun-84 20:18:14 EDT Article-I.D.: dual.609 Posted: Wed Jun 20 20:18:14 1984 Date-Received: Thu, 21-Jun-84 10:41:02 EDT References: <76500004@hpfclk.UUCP> Organization: Dual Systems, Berkeley, CA Lines: 34 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