catulle
04-28-2006, 06:03 PM
Yesterday, I had the opportunity to spend some time with Peter Weigle at his atelier in Old Lyme, CT. And the day before I visited a couple of bike shops in Boston. As a result, all I can say is what the Supreme Court Justice said about porno: I know what pornography is when I see it (or something like that). What I mean is, when you see one of Peter's bikes, you know you are facing some serious high quality work; especially after having spent the previous day kicking the tires of all of the industry's big names.
What impressed me the most of Peter's bikes is the way he does his bottom brackets. Peter's bottom-brackets and the ankles from the girls on the Victoria Secret's catalog come from the same place, I'm sure. The tiny bottom-bracket tube and the way the amazing flat chain-stays exit the delicate bottom-bracket lug is an image that will remain in my few neurons next only to the Gestalt of an e-RICHIE frame. Nothing else comes even close to the work of these two gentlemen, atmmoo (according to my most obstinate opinion). The quiet elegance of his bicycles brings to my mind images of thoroughbreds grazing lazily on the green flats of Lexington, KY.
And if I can only speak in superlatives of Peter's bikes, to meet him is to meet a truly kind, sweet, polite, decent, passionate man. His soft voice makes it very difficult to believe that Peter is a hell of a cyclist and motorcycle racer. Just don't try to stay close to his rear tire for longer than a second or two.
After meeting Peter yesterday I've come to the conclusion that the mix of Whitcomb, the Connecticut River, and the fumes from a brazing torch result in some very special and admirable people. After all, e-RICHIE only lives some ten minutes away from Peter. Hey, you know, I want to be like these cats when I grow up, atmo.
What impressed me the most of Peter's bikes is the way he does his bottom brackets. Peter's bottom-brackets and the ankles from the girls on the Victoria Secret's catalog come from the same place, I'm sure. The tiny bottom-bracket tube and the way the amazing flat chain-stays exit the delicate bottom-bracket lug is an image that will remain in my few neurons next only to the Gestalt of an e-RICHIE frame. Nothing else comes even close to the work of these two gentlemen, atmmoo (according to my most obstinate opinion). The quiet elegance of his bicycles brings to my mind images of thoroughbreds grazing lazily on the green flats of Lexington, KY.
And if I can only speak in superlatives of Peter's bikes, to meet him is to meet a truly kind, sweet, polite, decent, passionate man. His soft voice makes it very difficult to believe that Peter is a hell of a cyclist and motorcycle racer. Just don't try to stay close to his rear tire for longer than a second or two.
After meeting Peter yesterday I've come to the conclusion that the mix of Whitcomb, the Connecticut River, and the fumes from a brazing torch result in some very special and admirable people. After all, e-RICHIE only lives some ten minutes away from Peter. Hey, you know, I want to be like these cats when I grow up, atmo.