I was very interested to see this video yesterday that shows how my bicycle was made …
http://player.vimeo.com/video/39401575
Of course it’s unlikely that this much care and attantion is bestowed on the making of today’s bicycles, but this would definately have been how my 1950 Triumph was born.
I should warn you that if you work for OSH, or you’re the least bit sensitive in the health and safety department, look away now!
Awesome! everyone should be restoring a 50s bike to ride and preserve the history of these skilled workers. Shows you how far we have regressed in 62 years though.
As envious as I am of the forge-workers and enamel-dippers with their total freedom from safety equipment I am considering a career as a factory test rider. Must give Avanti a ring.
I can’t agree that there is a lack of care and attention to building modern bicycles Unity, look at the quality of the welds on a modern alloy frame compared to these dip brazed steel heavyweights
@Steve – I just think the old stuff looks so much better. My old bikes have nice shaped pieces on the joins, whereas modern bikes have it all exposed … like a mud worm has crawled around the joints. As you can probably tell, i’m no expert on welding.
I’m sure you get what you pay for in the end, but I’d be interested to see if modern bikes are still going strong in 50 years time.
Extraordinary to think of all of that skill and craftsmanship that went and no doubt still goes into a single simple machine like the bicyle that we take for granted. To think also of the skill and craftsmanship that goes into a single one of the machines used in the production process and the machines that made those machines etc etc etc. It’s mind boggling. Tonight when I get on my bike to ride home from work, I’ll look at it with a whole new appreciation. Thanks Unity, very inspiring.
By jove, It makes me proud to be an Englishman Jenny,
I swear I saw three of those tyre fitting ladies riding side by side at the end there, The bloody cheek of it!
Still the motorist behind probably knew if he complained they would have been able to bring him to his knees with the type of vice like grip that only sturdy british women who have been pushing tyres onto rims all week, can exert.
Perhaps we need some women like that touring Tamaki Drive flexing their strong leathery hands.
I dont think much of the chances of the guy who had to get those frames out of that “specialist solution” They probably had a quick turnover of brilianteened young men, eager to step up to the task though.
Tom
Tom