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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