(re an Alex Singer thread)
snipped from below:
>"Comparing a Singer to a modern American frame with
>investment-cast lugs and ready-made braze-ons is like
>comparing a 17th century painting with a photograph -
>it's an entirely different technique. To say that a painting
>is less art because you see the brush strokes makes little
>sense to me."

jan - i fully agree with you. i, too, often use the brush stroke/photo
analogy. otoh, my observation was that the quality and execution
of the torch and metalwork seemed quite entry level; i am not suggesting
that there are structural problems, but on the surface, there were telltale
signs of over-heating, and brass inclusions, and heat bands, and distortion
on all the frames i was shown. personally, i felt that the mojo and history
of the atelier and brand over-rode any of my professional biases, but i did
see what i did see. in its own way, i thought it all added to the charm. i guess
what i am saying is that despite the many generations seperating the styles
and material choices between modern builders and those creating a mid 20th
century timepiece like the singers, i was truly surprised at the level of - to use
the word again - execution. while i feel sheepish about typing and sending
out such a strong opinion i must reiterate that, had i the money, i would
have placed an order. these bicycles with their lineage won't be made much
longer. (jan - i hope you remember my contacting you in the fall about some
of the observations i made onlist today.)
e-RICHIE