respected road bike names?
10-14-07, 06:49 AM
#27
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 256
Bikes: One at a time these days
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
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
10-14-07, 07:12 AM
#28
Dirt-riding heretic
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Gig Harbor, WA
Posts: 17,413
Bikes: Lynskey R230/Red, Blue Triad SL/Red, Cannondale Scalpel 3/X9
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 8 Times
in
7 Posts
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.
__________________
"Unless he was racing there was no way he could match my speed."
"Unless he was racing there was no way he could match my speed."
Last edited by DrPete; 10-14-07 at 07:53 AM.
10-14-07, 07:22 AM
#29
IF/Parlee/Sachs/Legend ST
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: East Coast
Posts: 804
Bikes: Parlee, Richard Sachs, Serotta Legend, IF Crown Jewel (2), IF Planet Cross, Serotta CSI (2)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
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
10-14-07, 07:37 AM
#30
Senior Member
10-14-07, 08:06 AM
#32
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Seattle
Posts: 114
Bikes: Dean El Diente CTI and IRO Mark V Fixed
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
10-14-07, 08:16 AM
#33
Administrator
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Hudson Valley, NY
Posts: 32,988
Bikes: Merlin Cyrene '04; Bridgestone RB-1 '92
Mentioned: 325 Post(s)
Tagged: 2 Thread(s)
Quoted: 11960 Post(s)
Liked 6,628 Times
in
3,476 Posts
__________________
See, this is why we can't have nice things. - - smarkinson
Where else but the internet can a bunch of cyclists go and be the tough guy? - - jdon
10-14-07, 08:28 AM
#34
Administrator
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Hudson Valley, NY
Posts: 32,988
Bikes: Merlin Cyrene '04; Bridgestone RB-1 '92
Mentioned: 325 Post(s)
Tagged: 2 Thread(s)
Quoted: 11960 Post(s)
Liked 6,628 Times
in
3,476 Posts
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
__________________
See, this is why we can't have nice things. - - smarkinson
Where else but the internet can a bunch of cyclists go and be the tough guy? - - jdon
10-14-07, 08:29 AM
#35
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Blacksburg, VA
Posts: 4,850
Bikes: Yeti ASRc, Focus Raven 29er, Flyxii FR316
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 17 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
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.
10-14-07, 09:11 AM
#36
Administrator
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Hudson Valley, NY
Posts: 32,988
Bikes: Merlin Cyrene '04; Bridgestone RB-1 '92
Mentioned: 325 Post(s)
Tagged: 2 Thread(s)
Quoted: 11960 Post(s)
Liked 6,628 Times
in
3,476 Posts
Hmph!! I'll see your IF or Pegoretti, and raise you one steel Pinarello or Colnago.
__________________
See, this is why we can't have nice things. - - smarkinson
Where else but the internet can a bunch of cyclists go and be the tough guy? - - jdon
10-14-07, 09:19 AM
#37
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Blacksburg, VA
Posts: 4,850
Bikes: Yeti ASRc, Focus Raven 29er, Flyxii FR316
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 17 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
10-14-07, 09:22 AM
#38
Dirt-riding heretic
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Gig Harbor, WA
Posts: 17,413
Bikes: Lynskey R230/Red, Blue Triad SL/Red, Cannondale Scalpel 3/X9
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 8 Times
in
7 Posts
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.
__________________
"Unless he was racing there was no way he could match my speed."
"Unless he was racing there was no way he could match my speed."
Likes For DrPete:
10-14-07, 10:22 AM
#40
Young and unconcerned
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Merry Land
Posts: 4,123
Bikes: Yeah, I got a few.
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
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.
10-14-07, 10:35 AM
#41
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 256
Bikes: One at a time these days
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
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
10-14-07, 10:38 AM
#42
Super Modest
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Central Illinois
Posts: 23,466
Bikes: Trek Emonda, Giant Propel, Colnago V3, Co-Motion Supremo, ICE VTX WC
Mentioned: 107 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 10963 Post(s)
Liked 4,619 Times
in
2,123 Posts
I should point out, though, that I also own a "plastic" bike, as well as a couple aluminum ones.
__________________
Keep the chain tight!
10-14-07, 11:01 AM
#43
Administrator
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Hudson Valley, NY
Posts: 32,988
Bikes: Merlin Cyrene '04; Bridgestone RB-1 '92
Mentioned: 325 Post(s)
Tagged: 2 Thread(s)
Quoted: 11960 Post(s)
Liked 6,628 Times
in
3,476 Posts
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.
__________________
See, this is why we can't have nice things. - - smarkinson
Where else but the internet can a bunch of cyclists go and be the tough guy? - - jdon
10-14-07, 02:56 PM
#44
Sister Annie
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Hauraki Plains District, New Zealand
Posts: 1,519
Bikes: Retro Hercules adult tricycle, 1953 Hercules ladies roadster, 1950s Wearwell fixed gear 'Club' pathracer, 1980s Malvern Star 'Super Star', 1980s Healing GTX-105 Arabesque, 1980's Morrison Concorde & etc & etc.......
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
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.
..... 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.
__________________
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.
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.
10-14-07, 06:05 PM
#45
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,570
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
motobecane again FTW
Last edited by shabbasuraj; 10-14-07 at 09:18 PM.
10-14-07, 06:26 PM
#46
Dirt-riding heretic
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Gig Harbor, WA
Posts: 17,413
Bikes: Lynskey R230/Red, Blue Triad SL/Red, Cannondale Scalpel 3/X9
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 8 Times
in
7 Posts
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?
__________________
"Unless he was racing there was no way he could match my speed."
"Unless he was racing there was no way he could match my speed."
10-14-07, 07:55 PM
#47
*
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,458
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
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?
10-14-07, 08:31 PM
#48
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: northern California
Posts: 5,603
Bikes: Bruce Gordon BLT, Cannondale parts bike, Ecodyne recumbent trike, Counterpoint Opus 2, miyata 1000
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
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.
10-14-07, 08:32 PM
#49
Pain is Temporary
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Michigan
Posts: 139
Bikes: 2010 Cannondale CAAD9-1, 2003 Cannondale R800
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
