Originally posted by TimB
1)Quality control is better
2)Materials are more advanced as well as aftertreatment employed
3)availability of skilled labour is higher making it easier for manufacturers to get good people
4) More widespread use of CNC machines for tube mitrering alignment and welding makes quality more consistent.
5) even though the basic geometry is still the same, the interaction of the differently shaped tubes at the junctions has improved stress distribution resulting lighter frames that are just as strong.
1) Agreed, ever seen the lugwork on some of the Italian
Masters frames? They didn't care about it, the bike had to
ride right, and had to be brazed correctly, they didn't care
about the asthetics of the frame, it was a machine to be used
for racing. However that can't be said of modern framebuilders such
as Albert Eisentraut, Richard Sachs, Peter Weigle, David Kirk,
Curt Goodrich, Brian Baylis, Peter Moon (I could go on if you want)
who take unprecedented amounts of pride in their workmanship.
2)531 was pretty good stuff, as was the Columbus SL, SLX TSX
etc. how does it stack up against say 853? I'm betting that
very few could discern the difference.
3) How much skilled labour is needed for the machines to consistantly weld a frame? one person to set it up per factory?
I don't think this plays into it. I also don't think that whoever is
building low end bikes this week really cares.
4) but where are the file marks? Sure CNC helps but if its welded
poorly its a moot point. I think TIG is useful in hiding bad mitres,
poor joints etc.
5) Case in point, Ben Serotta double taper tubes, he invented the idea with his Colorado tubing (1986), as well as S-Bend
chain stays, that was in 1984 (older than your 15 year cut off)
6) No TIG welded bike has ever been mentioned in the same
sentence with the word mojo.
7) Does this mean I don't get a Channukah card too?
Marty