In 1977 and early 1978, Trek offered their most expensive model, the TX900 only in Columbus Tubing (SP/SL) at a retail of $230. Reynolds 531 was available only in the lower priced TX700 model for $195. (This pricing is from a "dealer price list" dated May 1, 78.)
Even in 1977, when I first saw a Trek brochure and price list, I wondered why the $$ premium for Columbus tubing, and similarly, why the TX900 wasn't offered in 531. In my (admittedly limited) view, I thought the perceived value was about the same. I recall other frame makers at the time offered Columbus and 531 at the same price. Was a Columbus tubeset more expensive to buy then? Was it generally thought to be a better tubing? Was it just more fashionable? I would appreciate your thoughts.
cheers,
Skip Echert
Renton, WA
http://www.skipechert.com/