Some Basic Waterford Questions

[thwart]

I've had a few Waterford bikes... enjoyed every one. I've found them generally a few ounces lighter than comparable framesets, from well known brands like Serotta... or even Pegoretti.

My wife's long term ride is a Waterford 1200 with 753 tubes.

I had a truly wonderful 753 of my own, but sold it when I moved to wider tires.

Back in the mid-'90's 23 mm was a wide tire...

[charliedid]

Originally Posted by thwart

I've had a few Waterford bikes... enjoyed every one. I've found them generally a few ounces lighter than comparable framesets, from well known brands like Serotta... or even Pegoretti.

My wife's long term ride is a Waterford 1200 with 753 tubes.

I had a truly wonderful 753 of my own, but sold it when I moved to wider tires.

Back in the mid-'90's 23 mm was a wide tire...

Nice!

[charliedid]

I ride a couple newer Gunnars and will at some point have a custom Waterford.

To echo others, they are wonderful no nonsense bikes and a relative bargain.

Call them and ask whatever questions you might have. And yes, they will sell you a bike direct but would prefer you work through them or a qualified shop to ensure correct spec and sizing.

I'm a fan.

[thwart]

Originally Posted by charliedid

Nice!

Rode even nicer than it looked. With those Hyperons it had no problem riding with the fast crowd.

One weakness of Waterfords I've noticed over the years (and the several I've owned) is fragile paint.

Glorious to look at... but fragile. Think Italian paint.

The newer ones may have addressed that. I had a Gunnar a few yrs ago that seemed to have a more durable finish.

[Ken Robb]

Interesting comments on Waterford paint. Mine was non-metallic blue and held up very well. I have read that standard paint on Gunnars MAY be less durable but if you order a Gunnar I think you can upgrade to Waterford-level paint for extra $$. I'll bet if you asked someone at Waterford about the relative durability of their paint options you would get the straight info.

[charliedid]

Originally Posted by thwart

Rode even nicer than it looked. With those Hyperons it had no problem riding with the fast crowd.

One weakness of Waterfords I've noticed over the years (and the several I've owned) is fragile paint.

Glorious to look at... but fragile. Think Italian paint.

The newer ones may have addressed that. I had a Gunnar a few yrs ago that seemed to have a more durable finish.

I agree about the paint as do many many others. I think one of the issues is that they want so badly to get those bikes out the door on time that they paint them and ship them ASAP instead of letting them sit for a week or so to cure.

Granted I am rather close but my last bike was in paint on a tuesday and in my hands on a thursday. That one hung for a couple months before building and out of the three I have had has the least issue with paint.

Maybe fewer coats of paint as well. If they did a Joe Bell paint job the Gunnars would be $2000 and less of a value?

I'm still a fan

[Hawker]

Impressive responses and most appreciated guys. I was thinking all 853 but have to admit that Stainless has captured my eye. And to show you how shallow I really am, I may have to spring for the cursive head badge...love it.

It sounds like Richard Schwinn exemplifies customer service. But....will he call my wife for me.

[Hawker]

Originally Posted by Mikej

They really are a great builder, I had a 1200 over 20 years ago. Great classic bike options,too! Love the stainless options. Be sure to post it up when you have it!

I most definitely will.

Originally Posted by SlowPokePete

I bought my Waterford Frame and Fork (ST-22) almost two years ago used right here on the Paceline. It's got a stainless head tube as well as chain stays.

Last spring I found a crack in the lug at the head tube / down tube junction, and had Waterford do the repair and am so glad I did.

They make very fine bicycles in my opinion.

I know they have a new website and I've poked around a little...

Here's a few recent pics of mine, after repair and touch up (which they did an amazing job with)...



SPP

Gorgeous build Pete, love everything about it.

[Duende]

Love my True Temper S3 SR33. Under 16lbs too. Lives in Tucson now, for when I’m home.

Can’t say anything bad about it, and would order one again with no hesitations. I would however go for track chainstsys and a 44 head tube this time though! 😃

[jr59]

Originally Posted by SlowPokePete

I bought my Waterford Frame and Fork (ST-22) almost two years ago used right here on the Paceline. It's got a stainless head tube as well as chain stays.

Last spring I found a crack in the lug at the head tube / down tube junction, and had Waterford do the repair and am so glad I did.

They make very fine bicycles in my opinion.

I know they have a new website and I've poked around a little...

Here's a few recent pics of mine, after repair and touch up (which they did an amazing job with)...

December 8, 2018 Waterford by SlowPoke Pete, on Flickr

December 8, 2018 Waterford by SlowPoke Pete, on Flickr

December 8, 2018 Waterford by SlowPoke Pete, on Flickr

SPP

Nice bike, what bag is that?

[bikinchris]

Richard is a straight shooter. No BS, no hard sales pitch and will not lie to make a sale. You can trust what he says. They are a very good company to work with as far as custom. Here is a town bike he built for my customer:



Personally, I have a hard time warming up to the Gunnar name, not being well schooled in Nordic legends.

[FlashUNC]

Originally Posted by bikinchris

Richard is a straight shooter. No BS, no hard sales pitch and will not lie to make a sale. You can trust what he says. They are a very good company to work with as far as custom. Here is a town bike he built for my customer:



Personally, I have a hard time warming up to the Gunnar name, not being well schooled in Nordic legends.

Gunnar is named after the long time shop dog, if memory serves.

[bikinchris]

Originally Posted by FlashUNC

Gunnar is named after the long time shop dog, if memory serves.

The shop dog was named after a famous Norse King. It means "Warrior" in Norse.

[Rudy]

I owned eleven Waterfords at one time. They punch way, way above their weight. Never a problem with paint. As mentioned, Richard Schwinn and his crew are delightful to work with.

[SlowPokePete]

Originally Posted by jr59

Nice bike, what bag is that?

Gilles Berthoud.

SPP