Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,520
Likes: 12
From: Colorado Springs, CO
Bikes: 1959 Bottecchia Milano-Sanremo (frame), 1966 Bottecchia Professional (frame), 1971 Bottecchia Professional (frame), 1973 Bottecchia Gran Turismo, 1974 Bottecchia Special, 1977 Bottecchia Special (frame), 1974 Peugeot UO-8
The million dollar question
In my mind (simple) it would be based on classic specs/geometry but without the "preciousness" that was rampant at NAHBS. It would be available now instead of in "6 years" and would be a great bike for 98% of the people that wanted a nice steel bike.
Ok but there are a gajillion builders out there whose name you or I have never heard of that could build anything you want like Eric here in town (
http://groundupdesigns.com/index.php?id=667). He still charges $1900 for the type of frame we're talking about and I'd be surprised if you could find a nice custom frame cheaper. I think he charges $1200 for a TIG welded frame with no fork. Delivery in about a month. But I think you're looking for something mass produced like a Surly but nicer.
Well, he's your opportunity - just form your own company and contract a manufacturer in Taiwan or China to build to your specs. Just please do a better job than Bianchi
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1959 Bottecchia Milano-Sanremo(frame), 1966 Bottecchia Professional (frame), 1971 Bottecchia Professional (frame),
1973 Bottecchia Gran Turismo, 1974 Bottecchia Special, 1977 Bottecchia Special (frame),
1974 Peugeot UO-8, 1988 Panasonic PT-3500, 2002 Bianchi Veloce, 2004 Bianchi Pista