Grant:
I don't think that there are a whole lot of Libertas faithfuls holding the torch for the former marque. The name has merit on etymological grounds. Those few who have experience with the lower end Libertas frames are not likely to confuse the new Libertas with the old. I happen to have a real gaspipe/stamped dropout/stamped pump hanger/flat ESGE brake bridge frameset. I'm sure the frame that you intend will not bear much resemblance to mine.
In addition, I assume that you are comtemplating naming a "model" Libertas of the Rivendell line. That differs from offering a entire marque with that name. No doubt, many people would (will) shorten the name from Rivendell Libertas to Libertas as they do now with the Atlantis.
With regard to no other group caring outside of CR, I beg to differ. The iBOBs will fling about endless electrons debating the merit of the name. However, I'm of the opinion that it will not reach the level of debate surrounding the Rambouillet name. I have little doubt that the iBOB list already knows of the naming question or will soon due to listmembers common to both groups.
Your bike, your choice. If it is a classically constructed high quality lugged frame, it will more than likely meet with success in the market. The overweening question is which market?
The name is OK with me. Want to trade a prototype for my Libertas? I ride a 56 to 58 cm frame (58cm per your sizing philosophy)
Charlie
Charles T. Young
Honeybrook. PA
> 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 ifSwell, 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 steel > 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 Sa 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.