Howdy gang read below, comments follow,
In a message dated 1/12/01 5:29:15 PM, cyclist@dimensional.com writes:
<< On Fri, 12 Jan 2001, Jerry Moos wrote:
> I think Ted is correct about Heron pricing - what looks like a bargain at
> $700 is too high at $1000. One can get some pretty nice handmade frames
> from UK, including Mercian, for not much more. I have a similar concern
A "basic" Mercian is 300 pounds. With the current exchange that's about $445 US. Add 40-45 pounds for shipping and you're just over $500 US. Hell, I went ape with options (rack painted to match, headset installed, extra braze-ons, more paintwork, etc) and mine came to $770 US w/shipping.
Marinoni (sp?) of Canada has some very nice frames at attractive prices, too.
On the Heron,
Is the price too high or is it more than you want to pay today; uh or maybe tomorrow? If you can get a Mercian with the works and a Marroni(sic) at a bargain price does that mean they are better for you needs; probably not. Of course the Heron may not be exactly what you want either. Would you buy two if they were $500.00 each?
The Heron guy mentioned earlier may not have a viable business selling 100 frames a year (A hundred is a lot of frames but business overhead eats away at you) at minimal markup. From the spec I see on the Heron's and the cost of development and their sheer uniqueness should allow them to hold their value for some time. This would most likely make it a good value and you even get to ride it.
I purchase my Rene Herse which in 1983 I paid enough money for to buy 22 Mercian frames (I like Mercian Frames by the way). I've been led to believe it is worth 4 times my original purchase price (88 Mercians?) and their are willing buyers. I got to ride many, many thousands of enjoyable miles with fantastic memories. I feel it was the best bargain I ever found.
The Marinoni(sic) and Mercian today are exceptionally good buys because we enjoy a strong dollar. I remember shopping for a bike made in England when the pound sterling was $2.50 dollar to the £1.00; not $1.50, ouch! I think the $775 figure mentioned above would work out to $1285.90 if math my is correct. English bikes has always seemed to be a bargain however even with sky high exchange rates. The dwindling of the numbers of current builders in Britain reflects the fact that this will not last forever as costs rise over time. It is sad to see old outfits close but many are nearing retirement.
I'm not rich or bike poor but if something I really wanted cost $300.00 more (a mere two full weeks pay in our shop) than something I liked, well I'll get what I want. Besides they might cost more later. The real true bargains and related saving come in buying the correct thing once, something that will last.
I sell lightweight frames from around the world and I sell more over $1000.00 than under $1000.00. Over $4000.00 frames have not been uncommon either. It's all in supplying what people want once by listening to their real needs, wants and desires. The right $100.00 frame is better than the wrong $1000.00 dollar one. That's what I think.
My current dilemma is I want something $3000.00 more than lots of things I like (and I like nice ones as well as plain ones) a lot.
Time for winter sale I think, you guys will be first to know.
Yours in cycling
Gilbert Anderson The Bicycle Outfitter Raleigh, NC USA
-- cyclist [at] dimensional [dot] com