Hi, This is borderline CR material, but I can't think of a better group to pitch it to. Also, don't consider yourselves part of a "focus group," because I can't stand the thought of one (I've had experience with them). Nope, I'm asking because ifwell, I'll just get to it.
A new bike/frame is in the works. I want to name it Libertas, because I like the name (and I'll send it to the finest school in town). Libertas means Liberty in Latin (LLL). "Liberty" has nothing to do with anything, I just like the name, the way it rolls of my tongue. BUT Libertas is the name of an old Belgian bike. As I recall, sort of a mass-market Belgian bike, last sold in the U.S. About 1975. I don't care about the specifics there, what I want to know your thoughts on is whether or not it's okay to resurrect a name that's already been used. Consider:/ 1. It is up for grabs. Yeah, it is. I checked 2. The bike will retail for about $1300, and be lugged steelfor the most part, a way better bike than the original, so it's not as though I'm considering naming it Confente or something...I am not, in the language of lawyers, "trading on a good name," or hoping to trick folks into thinking a junky Libertas is as good as the original great one. As I've said, this one will be a better bike. 3. On the con side, I don't think I'd feel great about somebody doing that to Rivendell (or Rambouillet).
I have an alternate name that I like 75 percent as much. I don't want to do a bad thing, and I don't want to catch heat. It must be clear that I hope LIBERTAS passes muster with the CR list, because I figger nobody off the list would even give a hoot; and I know that nobody for whom the bike is marketed has ever heard of Libertas. I just need a mess of outside opinions, since I'm not an outsider myself. The question is: Libertas--YES or NO?
I don't know if this is a bad inquiry, Dale, but you've got the RIGHT group here, and I couldn't resist. I'll risk getting kicked off for this, and won't whine if it happens, no hard feelings. I'll decide by March 15.
Grant Petersen
Walnut Creek
3.