_opinionated post alert_
Peter Jon White wrote: > I would avoid the horizontal rear dropout version, since all > modern rear derailleurs are designed to be located quite accurately > relative to the rear axle, and shifting can suffer a bit with > horizontals since the derailleur ends up too close to the cogs unless > you position the wheel way back in the dropouts. That's very useful information *if* you plan to use a modern rear derailer, thanks. And you did say "I would avoid the horizontal dropout version." I would not. I like my horizontal dropout bikes for their ability to use track hubs, internally geared hubs, coaster-brake hubs, and cassette/ freewheel hubs. For me, I'd rather have the ability to use different wheels at different times than to use the optimum setup for a multi-geared wheel. That's just me. I like an all-rounder. I like using the wheels I have built. I like trying different types of gearing. Can't horizontal dropouts be made (CNC'd or otherwise) with a derailer hanger moved back slightly? Adjustment screws could be used for setting the axle placement. I'd think current manufacturers would think of this, given the derailers available, but perhaps not. Joel Mathews wrote: > Better them than a classic Masi or DeRosa (unfortunately, I > have seen some of those frames suffer in fixed ignominy) Eh. I think a bike frame that gets ridden a lot suffers less ignominy than a wallhanger. Older Masi and DeRosa may be fine frames, but you don't need to worry about their disappearance. I'd say American-built French-inspired touring bikes are more in need of preservation due to rarity. Hacking bits (der. hanger, shifter mounts) off a frame is quite crude and uneccessary, I'd probably agree with you there. If you want to preserve them, I think that's fine, as they are worth preserving, but to use them and enjoy them for their primary function is hardly ignominy in my opinion, even if it isn't as a multi-geared racer. Their reputations as fine bikes will probably be enhanced by first- person accounts of their riders. Even with riser bars and a basket and with spoke cards in the wheels and though it may not look nearly as nice as it it once had. That's better than sitting in a garage or basement or living room unused, instead of being used by someone new to cycling who may be suitably impressed by the ride quality. Those most impressed by brand names will just get the new cheap fixed-gear versions and be happy with the name on the bike. Granted there are examples of both multi-geared and fixed-geared bikes being both ridden a lot and those not ridden much at all. The T.I. Raleigh Team bike I have is for cyclocross, not pristine and loves rolling on the dirt and grass. And so it does. With a modern derailer and horizontal dropouts. It's a nice bike, so I ride it, replacement fork and all! It's so much fun. And if someone has a replacement fork with canti mounts for a 56cm Raleigh Team Pro, contact me. Ray --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Bicycle Lifestyle" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/bicyclelifestyle?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
