Initial Impressions

The RS logo head badge is the work of my pal Creighton, a man I met almost a decade ago. Creighton took my RS art file, translated it into a Solidworks program, found a way to fabricate the little pieces so they are each an exact replica of the art, and also manufactured a tool with which to perfectly curve and shape the little kittens so they conform to my head tubes.

These parts are the only absolutely perfect component on the bicycle frames I make. That is until I have to precisely place it onto the head tube while considering center lines and equidistance. And before I try to delicately braze it. And, of course, before multiple layers of paint and clear coats add to its scale. Oh and after that, the part is masked off by hand and painted a contrasting color – black typically. At the end of the labor cycle, this elegant little metal piece is generations from its original iteration. And with each operation, a bit less perfect. Produce shit or die.

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