In a message dated 12/31/00 9:27:11 AM Eastern Standard Time, moos@penn.com writes:
<< If the bikes in question are so shoddy as to be obvious fakes, I would doubt the importer's story that Ron Cooper produced them >>
In a message dated 12/31/00 9:48:39 AM Eastern Standard Time, stevens@veloworks.com writes:
<< The Hetchins frames at A Bicycle Odyssey are not of shoddy construction ... and they absolutely were built by Ron Cooper.
What I want to know is ... who actually builds the Hetchins frames for David Miller at World Class? >>
From the photo, I would agree that those frames are not shoddy at all (I never assumed that) but even at a quick glance they are not Genuine-Hetchins-typical... note the the curvature of the Vibrant stays using a larger radius and shallower bend. I will send that photo to any interested party.
The issue of David Miller being the bonafide licensee of Hetchins is not at question. Beyond the long standing establishment of that, it has been covered extensively in the British press and vintage club publications. The builder of frames for David Miller is an exclusive arrangement with a concern called Cobra Cycles. I have published a picture of their storefront here... Also the New York state shop, World Class, is an agent for Hetchins in the USA only.
http://albums.photopoint.com/
In the light of this revelation, what final action will be taken to protect their property by David Miller (& his boss.. David is the controlling manager of Hetchins but Hetchins itself is owned by another person or persons reputed to be involved in the Pop music business!) remains to be seen.
At this point I will guess that A Bicycle Odyssey has been an unwitting participant in this situation.. Exactly who is at fault in making the decision to contract these bike frames and to add Hetchins decals remains to be seen. It is a distinct possibility that Ron Cooper was contracted to make Hetchins style frames (many have legitimately done that, here and abroad; flattery being the sincerest form of compliment?) and that someone decided to add Hetchins transfers after taking delivery. However in my opinion, if Mr. Cooper did apply those deals and ship those frames out in that form, that was a terrible act and WHOEVER is proved to have done that should be dealt with harshly, not only in a legal way but in a boycott by enthusiasts.
Just my 2 cents (maybe $1.)
Dale Brown