Originally Posted by
Chombi1
Actually, I think lugless construction felt like a step backwards when more and more bike manufacturers started featuring such in the framesets (I suspect, to mainly keep costs down), in lieu of lugged construction in the later 80's, especially after being conditioned for many years that "quality" frames are supposed to have lugs......
While I much prefer lugged bike frames myself, as an art form, lugless frames (welded or fillet-brazed) are clearly in evidence since the '50s, by many reputable constructors, maybe even throughout triangle frame history. Whether because of component shortages, or just maker or buyer preference, or to save a little coin, it isn't some latter-day phenomenon, or limited to some geographic pocket either. An artisanal constructor like R.O. Harrison, who fabricated his own lugs (usually uniquely profiled) out of sheet metal, built quite a few lugless bikes too.