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02-04-2005, 01:36 PM

Saki asks:

<Will spreading the dropouts create metal fatigue on the frame
eventually, or isn't the spread that significant? >

You may want to read the Bicycle FAQ "frames going soft" and "frame
fatique":

http://www.faqs.org/faqs/bicycles-fa...ection-46.html

http://www.faqs.org/faqs/bicycles-fa...ection-45.html

<With the prospects of facing permanent retirement for my bike I
realized
how nostalgic I actually am for that Allegro frame. The only other bike

made today that I could embrace might be a Rivendell, if I could afford

one. But I don't know how they rate next to more modern models. I sure
like their look, though. >

I think you need to look at what will fit YOU and your type of riding.
If your Allegro fits and is in "good shape". I would ride it,
especially if money is tight. Upgrading parts is easy. If your frame
has the old 120 or 126mm spacing, it can be spread to fit the more
modern 130mm standard. If you don't know how, find a good shop to do
it. Worth the money.

Alternatively, you can always "upgrade" to a new frameset. It doesn't
necessarily have to cost alot. Obviously, if you want a "Riv" or high
custom-made in America lugged steel bike, be prepared to fork out $$$$
for a frameset, e.g., Rivendell customs *start* at $2500 with a 2 year
wait; others like Eisentraut, Bruce Gordon, Steve Rex, etc. are about
that and don't ask about a Richard Sachs - $3K, 3 year wait list.

There are some cheaper alternatives. Rivendell sells its Romulus
bicycles (complete) for $1500; Rambo frameset, made in Japan by Toyo
cost about $1400. Other brands that are a bit cheaper include Jitensha
studios' Ebisu, Waterford, and Heron all in the $1k price range.

You can get a English-made Mercian for a little less, depending on the
strength of the dollar, which we all know is sucking right now, at
about $800-900. However, maybe the best deal in lugged steel framesets
is Matthew Gramm's Kogwells. Made in China, a frameset can be found for
about $600-700, with room for fenders. A great buy:

www.kogswell.com

Good Luck!

02-04-2005, 01:36 PM	#17 (permalink)
bfd Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Broken hub, replacement options? Saki asks: <Will spreading the dropouts create metal fatigue on the frame eventually, or isn't the spread that significant? > You may want to read the Bicycle FAQ "frames going soft" and "frame fatique": http://www.faqs.org/faqs/bicycles-fa...ection-46.html http://www.faqs.org/faqs/bicycles-fa...ection-45.html <With the prospects of facing permanent retirement for my bike I realized how nostalgic I actually am for that Allegro frame. The only other bike made today that I could embrace might be a Rivendell, if I could afford one. But I don't know how they rate next to more modern models. I sure like their look, though. > I think you need to look at what will fit YOU and your type of riding. If your Allegro fits and is in "good shape". I would ride it, especially if money is tight. Upgrading parts is easy. If your frame has the old 120 or 126mm spacing, it can be spread to fit the more modern 130mm standard. If you don't know how, find a good shop to do it. Worth the money. Alternatively, you can always "upgrade" to a new frameset. It doesn't necessarily have to cost alot. Obviously, if you want a "Riv" or high custom-made in America lugged steel bike, be prepared to fork out $$$$ for a frameset, e.g., Rivendell customs start at $2500 with a 2 year wait; others like Eisentraut, Bruce Gordon, Steve Rex, etc. are about that and don't ask about a Richard Sachs - $3K, 3 year wait list. There are some cheaper alternatives. Rivendell sells its Romulus bicycles (complete) for $1500; Rambo frameset, made in Japan by Toyo cost about $1400. Other brands that are a bit cheaper include Jitensha studios' Ebisu, Waterford, and Heron all in the $1k price range. You can get a English-made Mercian for a little less, depending on the strength of the dollar, which we all know is sucking right now, at about $800-900. However, maybe the best deal in lugged steel framesets is Matthew Gramm's Kogwells. Made in China, a frameset can be found for about $600-700, with room for fenders. A great buy: www.kogswell.com Good Luck!