Builders AND materials

[Lifelover]

Enough talk about materials in a vacuum.

I have always wondered if there is an advantage to having a builder versed in many materials or a builder that has vast experience in just one?

I would assume a well balanced approach would provide a better understanding of the benefits of each and allow the builder to optimize his chosen material.

On the other hand it could be argued that time working with materials you know longer build with is time lost learning more about the chosen material.

Any thoughts?

[Kontact]

My personal feeling was that a specialized builder is going to be at the highest level of technique, be it brazing torch, tig welder or vacuum bag.

However, I could see a multimaterial builder possibly learning something new from working with one material that they bring back to another - much like artists who work in different mediums do. But I think that might have more application between some materials than others.

If I was looking for a brazed frame or Tig'd Ti, I probably would be most attracted to specialist. Especially as I'm particularly concerned about Ti weld contamination. But that's mostly technique - Merlin did very well with bike guys doing the design and mitering with submarine hull welders doing the welds.

I don't consider Serotta, Seven or IF multimaterial builders - I imagine they have their material specialists. Strong would be a better example.

[1centaur]

I definitely view Serotta as a multi-material builder, even if the hard-won knowledge is not equally held across the firm. Ben must be an expert at materials comparisons at this point. What he feels in the seat of his pants is an unknown, of course, as e-Richie's comment on his alu Gaulzetti being indistinguishable in ride from any of e-R's steel creations illuminates.

[fogrider]

here's the thing, you've got a guy like John at Landshark building steel bikes for years and now only building with carbon. then you've got brent steelman that built with steel for many years, experimented with carbon but went back to steel exclusively.

I currently have two steel bikes, a ti, carbon, aluminum and a scandium bike...all great rides. it just depends on the build.

[rwsaunders]

I don't consider Serotta, Seven or IF multimaterial builders - I imagine they have their material specialists. Strong would be a better example.

Yes they have their material specialists, but I don't understand how you can't consider these companies to be multi-material builders.

http://www.serotta.com/serotta-technology/r&d-focus.html

http://www.sevencycles.com

http://www.ifbikes.com/OurStory/OurPhilosophy.html