respected road bike names?
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This is a great question. For me (being 50+) I have a longer time frame from which to select. Back in the day it was ALL steel. My list goes something like this (not necessarily in order):
-Peter Weigle-incredible paint, unique styling, amazing quality & ride. Mostly road bikes
-Richard Sachs-Keeper of the Italian flame. Same as above but less flashy. ALL road bikes.
-Bob Jackson- If you were a serious touring enthusiast, you had at one time owned a B Jackson, probably 2.
-Eisentraut(sp?)-unbeleivably complex lug/metal work. You wanted to hang these frames on the wall of a museum.
-Masi- "the man", built bikes for the most famous/successful early riders.
-DeRosa-"the other man", same as above.
-Pinnarello- well respected but became VERY popular when Alexi Grewal took the Gold some years back, now a top brand.
-Peugot-This French company built bikes EVERYONE rode (PX10) back in the day.
-Motobecane-"The" French race bike popular in the USA.
-Hetchins-Really cool lug/metalwork, British.
-Colnago-Easily the most successful/famous Italian builder of all time.
-Schwinn-Don't laugh, the "Paramount" was THE bike to own at one time. Schwinn is to bikes what Walmart is to cheap. Schwinn built the bike industry in the USA single-handed.
-Cannondale-early bikes rode like s--t, I know I rode the very first prototypes. Now a legend, thank you Cannondale for bucking the system.
-Trek- I managed a bike shop when Trek started. Decent frames...HORRIBLY built wheels. Trek was the first higher-end USA built bike company. Now a corporate monstrosity.
-Huffy/Murray/Ross- These 3 companies made "value" bikes, cheap yes. Like McDonalds...zillions and zillions sold. These 3 companies kept bike shop repair departments humming for decades...God bless em.
There are certainly others but the above were pioneers and legends to me. Nowadays there are soooo many makers of bikes/frames its hard to keep up.
cheers
k
-Peter Weigle-incredible paint, unique styling, amazing quality & ride. Mostly road bikes
-Richard Sachs-Keeper of the Italian flame. Same as above but less flashy. ALL road bikes.
-Bob Jackson- If you were a serious touring enthusiast, you had at one time owned a B Jackson, probably 2.
-Eisentraut(sp?)-unbeleivably complex lug/metal work. You wanted to hang these frames on the wall of a museum.
-Masi- "the man", built bikes for the most famous/successful early riders.
-DeRosa-"the other man", same as above.
-Pinnarello- well respected but became VERY popular when Alexi Grewal took the Gold some years back, now a top brand.
-Peugot-This French company built bikes EVERYONE rode (PX10) back in the day.
-Motobecane-"The" French race bike popular in the USA.
-Hetchins-Really cool lug/metalwork, British.
-Colnago-Easily the most successful/famous Italian builder of all time.
-Schwinn-Don't laugh, the "Paramount" was THE bike to own at one time. Schwinn is to bikes what Walmart is to cheap. Schwinn built the bike industry in the USA single-handed.
-Cannondale-early bikes rode like s--t, I know I rode the very first prototypes. Now a legend, thank you Cannondale for bucking the system.
-Trek- I managed a bike shop when Trek started. Decent frames...HORRIBLY built wheels. Trek was the first higher-end USA built bike company. Now a corporate monstrosity.
-Huffy/Murray/Ross- These 3 companies made "value" bikes, cheap yes. Like McDonalds...zillions and zillions sold. These 3 companies kept bike shop repair departments humming for decades...God bless em.
There are certainly others but the above were pioneers and legends to me. Nowadays there are soooo many makers of bikes/frames its hard to keep up.
cheers
k
#28
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Most people on this forum respect plastic bikes made in china or taiwan. Somehow Taiwann gets more respect. There is no particular brand to stay away from. Stay with the brand you feel offers the most quality components for the money. If budget is not a primary concern then go with a long established builder. There is a price to pay for quality. I buy used frames because they are better than any cookie cutter POS. I can afford used frames. I can't afford the blue plate special that many posters of this forum praise.
The most respected brands being produced in the tradition of quality would be Bob Jackson,Waterford(Gunnar), Richard Sachs, Bruce Gordon etc...High end bikes do not get glued. They are made by hand. Each frame will take over 100 hours to produce. The welding will be very precise. Failure is much less likely to happen in a catastrophic manor than plastic bikes.
If you have a moderate disposable income and want to buy a good bike do not buy a Specialized,Giant,Trek,Cannondale. Buy from an artist and you will be rewarded with a bike that will last at least two decades. When I say bike I am talking about the frame. Friends don't let friends ride plastic.
The most respected brands being produced in the tradition of quality would be Bob Jackson,Waterford(Gunnar), Richard Sachs, Bruce Gordon etc...High end bikes do not get glued. They are made by hand. Each frame will take over 100 hours to produce. The welding will be very precise. Failure is much less likely to happen in a catastrophic manor than plastic bikes.
If you have a moderate disposable income and want to buy a good bike do not buy a Specialized,Giant,Trek,Cannondale. Buy from an artist and you will be rewarded with a bike that will last at least two decades. When I say bike I am talking about the frame. Friends don't let friends ride plastic.
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Last edited by DrPete; 10-14-07 at 07:53 AM.
#29
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The most respected brands being produced in the tradition of quality would be Bob Jackson,Waterford(Gunnar), Richard Sachs, Bruce Gordon etc...High end bikes do not get glued. They are made by hand. Each frame will take over 100 hours to produce. The welding will be very precise.
+1
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#34
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Nice review, Aikidoka.
Wasn't familiar with a couple of these: Weigle, Eistraut, Hetchins.
Wasn't familiar with a couple of these: Weigle, Eistraut, Hetchins.
-Peter Weigle-incredible paint, unique styling, amazing quality & ride. Mostly road bikes
-Richard Sachs-Keeper of the Italian flame. Same as above but less flashy. ALL road bikes.
-Bob Jackson- If you were a serious touring enthusiast, you had at one time owned a B Jackson, probably 2.
-Eisentraut(sp?)-unbeleivably complex lug/metal work. You wanted to hang these frames on the wall of a museum.
-Masi- "the man", built bikes for the most famous/successful early riders.
-DeRosa-"the other man", same as above.
-Pinnarello- well respected but became VERY popular when Alexi Grewal took the Gold some years back, now a top brand.
-Peugot-This French company built bikes EVERYONE rode (PX10) back in the day.
-Motobecane-"The" French race bike popular in the USA.
-Hetchins-Really cool lug/metalwork, British.
-Colnago-Easily the most successful/famous Italian builder of all time.
-Schwinn-Don't laugh, the "Paramount" was THE bike to own at one time. Schwinn is to bikes what Walmart is to cheap. Schwinn built the bike industry in the USA single-handed.
-Cannondale-early bikes rode like s--t, I know I rode the very first prototypes. Now a legend, thank you Cannondale for bucking the system.
-Trek- I managed a bike shop when Trek started. Decent frames...HORRIBLY built wheels. Trek was the first higher-end USA built bike company. Now a corporate monstrosity.
-Huffy/Murray/Ross- These 3 companies made "value" bikes, cheap yes. Like McDonalds...zillions and zillions sold. These 3 companies kept bike shop repair departments humming for decades...God bless em.
k
-Richard Sachs-Keeper of the Italian flame. Same as above but less flashy. ALL road bikes.
-Bob Jackson- If you were a serious touring enthusiast, you had at one time owned a B Jackson, probably 2.
-Eisentraut(sp?)-unbeleivably complex lug/metal work. You wanted to hang these frames on the wall of a museum.
-Masi- "the man", built bikes for the most famous/successful early riders.
-DeRosa-"the other man", same as above.
-Pinnarello- well respected but became VERY popular when Alexi Grewal took the Gold some years back, now a top brand.
-Peugot-This French company built bikes EVERYONE rode (PX10) back in the day.
-Motobecane-"The" French race bike popular in the USA.
-Hetchins-Really cool lug/metalwork, British.
-Colnago-Easily the most successful/famous Italian builder of all time.
-Schwinn-Don't laugh, the "Paramount" was THE bike to own at one time. Schwinn is to bikes what Walmart is to cheap. Schwinn built the bike industry in the USA single-handed.
-Cannondale-early bikes rode like s--t, I know I rode the very first prototypes. Now a legend, thank you Cannondale for bucking the system.
-Trek- I managed a bike shop when Trek started. Decent frames...HORRIBLY built wheels. Trek was the first higher-end USA built bike company. Now a corporate monstrosity.
-Huffy/Murray/Ross- These 3 companies made "value" bikes, cheap yes. Like McDonalds...zillions and zillions sold. These 3 companies kept bike shop repair departments humming for decades...God bless em.
k
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Pay no attention to those people behind the curtain. You want the utmost highest respected??
My top five: Moots, Serotta, Seven, Merlin, Waterford..
You're going to get ferocious opposition to this list, but in the end these top five will have the most votes.
Notice the conspicuous absence of Trek, Giant, Cannondale, Litespeed, etc.
My top five: Moots, Serotta, Seven, Merlin, Waterford..
You're going to get ferocious opposition to this list, but in the end these top five will have the most votes.
Notice the conspicuous absence of Trek, Giant, Cannondale, Litespeed, etc.
For that, I will trade you one Serotta in exchange for one Bob Jackson, Pegoretti or IF of your choice.
I ride a Cannondale on the road, but want to get a Waterford for 'cross when I have the cash to burn.
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Hmph!! I'll see your IF or Pegoretti, and raise you one steel Pinarello or Colnago.
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#38
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I'm trying to envision how this thread would look in a car forum...
"Nah, man, those Plastic Ferraris suck. Get a Bentley or a Rolls Royce."
It's almost like there are a bunch of different bike manufacturers out there and they might all make a "high-end" bike, but they're "high-end" for different reasons.
"Nah, man, those Plastic Ferraris suck. Get a Bentley or a Rolls Royce."
It's almost like there are a bunch of different bike manufacturers out there and they might all make a "high-end" bike, but they're "high-end" for different reasons.
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#40
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I'm trying to envision how this thread would look in a car forum...
"Nah, man, those Plastic Ferraris suck. Get a Bentley or a Rolls Royce."
It's almost like there are a bunch of different bike manufacturers out there and they might all make a "high-end" bike, but they're "high-end" for different reasons.
"Nah, man, those Plastic Ferraris suck. Get a Bentley or a Rolls Royce."
It's almost like there are a bunch of different bike manufacturers out there and they might all make a "high-end" bike, but they're "high-end" for different reasons.
#41
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Oh yea...that Hetchins was ahead of its time...THATS a beautiful bike!! A friend had one I rode for a bit...artwork in motion but less ornate than yours above. Who cared if it weighed 23 pounds!!!
cheers
k
cheers
k
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I should point out, though, that I also own a "plastic" bike, as well as a couple aluminum ones.
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That IS titilating.
Obviously a few makes got past me back in the day . . . no internet then.
Obviously a few makes got past me back in the day . . . no internet then.
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#44
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Hetchins ..... Ooooooo that is sooooooo beautiful. If I owned a Hetchins I'd be too nervous to ride it in case I fell off and bent it.
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OMNIPOTENS aeterne Deus, qui nos secundum imaginem Tuam plasmasti, et omnia bona, vera, pulchra, praesertim in divina persona Unigeniti Filii Tui Domini nostri Iesu Christi, quaerere iussisti, praesta quaesumus ut, per intercessionem Sancti Isidori, Episcopi et Doctoris, in peregrinationibus per interrete factis et manus oculosque ad quae Tibi sunt placita intendamus et omnes quos convenimus cum caritate ac patientia accipiamus. Per Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen.
#45
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motobecane again FTW
Last edited by shabbasuraj; 10-14-07 at 09:18 PM.
#46
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So as long as I get it straight:
$50 worth of carbon fiber raced by pros in the toughest races on the planet: not worth the markup
$50 worth of steel that looks like it's been one-offed for a Vegas showgirl with hundreds of hours of labor that add nothing to the bike's function: TOTALLY worth it.
Did I miss anything?
$50 worth of carbon fiber raced by pros in the toughest races on the planet: not worth the markup
$50 worth of steel that looks like it's been one-offed for a Vegas showgirl with hundreds of hours of labor that add nothing to the bike's function: TOTALLY worth it.
Did I miss anything?
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"Unless he was racing there was no way he could match my speed."
#47
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So as long as I get it straight:
$50 worth of carbon fiber raced by pros in the toughest races on the planet: not worth the markup
$50 worth of steel that looks like it's been one-offed for a Vegas showgirl with hundreds of hours of labor that add nothing to the bike's function: TOTALLY worth it.
Did I miss anything?
$50 worth of carbon fiber raced by pros in the toughest races on the planet: not worth the markup
$50 worth of steel that looks like it's been one-offed for a Vegas showgirl with hundreds of hours of labor that add nothing to the bike's function: TOTALLY worth it.
Did I miss anything?
#48
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You can go custom for under $2,000 if all you need is the frame. Small, yet famous builders sell complete bikes for under $2,000 as well. I have a strong bias for Bruce Gordon in Petaluma, CA. Yes, he builds road bikes as well as some or the best touring bikes in the business.
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