from this point, it might get ugly

[mimitabby]

and who is this Reynolds person anyway?
no kidding, Steel is the only way for me

[KnottedYet]

and who is this Reynolds person anyway?

LOL! Mimi, you are a hoot! Can't wait to see you at the Bike Expo!

[mimitabby]

come early on sunday..
darn I was hoping that you were going toanswer my question.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Mimi, I know it's been awful for you....but it could have been way worse too. I've heard stories of people who waited YEARS for their custom frame- and when it came it was all wrong. Happily you only lost a couple of months in the timeline of life on this project, right? And now you have added experience and knowledge that will ensure everything comes out right this next time.

I am curious, however....I certainly understand the wanting a steel bike (steel rools). But why exactly is it that you want an Italian frame? What is it specifically about Italian frames that you can't get in other frames?

[mimitabby]

Lisa
there is a considerable romance surrounding old world Italian craftsmanship.
Take a simple thing, like a hook to hang your clothes on, or a plate, or a knife.
It's not enough to make something functional, it must also be sublime and beautiful. The knife will have a beautiful line to it, and maybe a handmade design. The hook might have a fleur di lis on the top of it, and it will be strong enough to hold your painting.
Take Campagnolo. These campy parts are made with elegance. They are designed beautifully, and unlike shimano parts, most of them can be rebuilt.
(ask Deb about this )
Clunky is the opposite of Italian. The lines are sweet, they are well made, and for the most part,they are practical.

Now for the downside of Italian craftmanship. Since they are very much in
demand and they HAVE been doing this for hundreds of years, they are the experts, and they are not going to take too well to suggestions.

I have spoken to various LBs's about the Bianchi line for example. I ask them
don't you ever suggest to these guys that we need space for fenders?
I get eye rolls.

so that's the conundrum. I guess when I move to Italy I will buy an Italian bike because it will be adapted to the climate.

So Lisa, does that make sense?
And who pray tell set the standard for the Violin? It wasn't someone from
(add random country here) it was an Italian.

[mimitabby]

When people with lots of bucks buy a Ferrari or a Lamburghini, no one
says "why Italian?"

They know.

[Bluetree]

My weakness is for Italian shoes.

Oh, and a certain young climber recently signed to the Discovery team...

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

So Lisa, does that make sense?

Well, it makes sense to me in certain ways, but maybe not in others. But that's OKAY- we all have our own special preferences, and that's good! I hope you will figure out what to do and that you wind up with a bike that truly suits you in every way- you DESERVE it!!

[Triskeliongirl]

Hey Mimi- just to have closure did the bike make it back safely, and has your credit card been credited yet? Just let us know when its all straightened out. What about the wheels? Were you able to stop the order or had he already started building them? -e