Davidson road frameset
08-10-15 | 07:22 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Unimatrix Zero
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 908
Likes: 0
Davidson road frameset
Trying to get back down to three bikes... this one's a little too small for me.
GEO
52cm TT c-c
49cm ST c-c
41cm CS
90mm HT
75˚*ST / 72˚ HT
- 700c/short reach brakes
- English BB
- 27.2 seatpost
- Clearance for 26mm and maybe some 28s.
- Internally routed rear brake (has a sleeve, v. easy)
Overal in very nice shape but not perfect, has cosmetic scratches in the usual places. No dents or dings or rust.
No serial number. I haven't contacted Bill yet to find out when it was made, so I don't know. Late 80s or 90s? Could be any time, though, really.
Rare Mavic 310 headset included, spinning smoothly.
SOLD
Last edited by whatwolf; 09-04-15 at 04:33 PM.
08-14-15 | 11:50 PM
#3
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 3,227
Likes: 733
From: Sacramento, CA
Bikes: '64 Bianchi CDM, '62ish Altenburger Cinelli Mod B, '63-64 Cinelli SC, 69 Rene Herse Competition, '71 Gitane SC, '73 Cinelli SC, '73-74 Colnago Super,, '73-74 Cinelli SC, '78ish counterfeit Confente, '82 Medici Gran Turismo, '67ish Mondia Speciale
Wow, that's beautiful, and a great price!
08-25-15 | 02:36 PM
#6
Thread Starter
Unimatrix Zero
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 908
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Last price drop for now ... $400 shipped for f/f/hs
And, new info about this frame from a former Davidson employee.
"The Otsuya lugs tell me this is the top of the line Signature model, which were made one at a time by one person – in the early '90s that was usually me (I left in '94). Otsuya made the finest, most perfect lug ever, if you like very short point investment cast lugs. And I do, I used those lugs on road frames for me and my wife Laurie. Lugs that small require more care taken in the tube mitering, prep, fit-up and brazing, than you can get away with on bigger lugs. But when done properly, the joint is still stronger than the tubing, so joint strength is a moot point, the joint will never fail. Davidson gave a lifetime warranty, but very few ever came back for repair. And when they did, it was usually crash damage.
The bottom bracket shell and the fork crown are Takahashi. That shell is maybe the best ever made. The casting and machining quality are top notch. Note the Hitachi hallmark cast into the bottom of the shell. Takahashi design, but Hitachi did the actual casting, in a high-tech facility. I don't think you can get IC frame parts this excellent anymore. Modern (generally Taiwanese) lugs and shells are rougher and not as refined.
I agree the internal routing of the rear brake cable is slick. Many other brands did internal routing that had downsides, but the Davidson way is trouble-free and totally easy to work on. Sealed off from the inside of the frame so there's no worry about letting rain or sweat get in.
Tubing is most likely Tange Prestige, heat treated, in a light gauge."
And, new info about this frame from a former Davidson employee.
"The Otsuya lugs tell me this is the top of the line Signature model, which were made one at a time by one person – in the early '90s that was usually me (I left in '94). Otsuya made the finest, most perfect lug ever, if you like very short point investment cast lugs. And I do, I used those lugs on road frames for me and my wife Laurie. Lugs that small require more care taken in the tube mitering, prep, fit-up and brazing, than you can get away with on bigger lugs. But when done properly, the joint is still stronger than the tubing, so joint strength is a moot point, the joint will never fail. Davidson gave a lifetime warranty, but very few ever came back for repair. And when they did, it was usually crash damage.
The bottom bracket shell and the fork crown are Takahashi. That shell is maybe the best ever made. The casting and machining quality are top notch. Note the Hitachi hallmark cast into the bottom of the shell. Takahashi design, but Hitachi did the actual casting, in a high-tech facility. I don't think you can get IC frame parts this excellent anymore. Modern (generally Taiwanese) lugs and shells are rougher and not as refined.
I agree the internal routing of the rear brake cable is slick. Many other brands did internal routing that had downsides, but the Davidson way is trouble-free and totally easy to work on. Sealed off from the inside of the frame so there's no worry about letting rain or sweat get in.
Tubing is most likely Tange Prestige, heat treated, in a light gauge."
Last edited by whatwolf; 08-25-15 at 04:01 PM.
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