Originally Posted by Doug Fattic

Bob, this is an important contribution to our general knowledge of how framebuilding came to America. Last Monday was the 1st day of another one of the 3 week framebuilding classes. I start out by explaining how American framebuilding knowledge from the past got lost as the old guys who made bikes for the 6 day racers or whatever else retired or died after WW2.. In most of the States few Americans rode "10 Speed" bicycles. The 1st day a high schooler got his driver's license was the last day he rode his bicycle. This suddenly changed about 1970/71. When I was in Japan for a year teaching between my degrees from the department of Education, I read an article in Time or Newsweek about how American discovered the ten speed bike. When I got back home to Michigan in the late summer of 1971 everything had changed. Adults were wanting to ride bikes now for health, recreation and fun. I couldn't believe it. When I went over in 1970, my bicycling hobby was seen as strange. When I got back, everyone was asking my questions. if you wanted a Schwinn 10 speed you were put on a waiting list until one became available.

This new to Americans hobby opened up opportunities to build custom frames here. There were about 10 of us (like Bill Davidson) in the '70's that went to Europe to learn the craft. I went to Ellis Briggs in Shipley West Yorkshire in 1975. My purpose for going was to teach how to do it back here. I'm still doing that.