Re: [CR]Grant's Bike Name Question

(Example: Framebuilders:Norman Taylor)

Date: Thu, 14 Mar 2002 18:00:36 -0700
Subject: Re: [CR]Grant's Bike Name Question
From: "Steven L. Sheffield" <stevens@veloworks.com>
To: Classic Rendezvous <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
In-Reply-To: <000701c1cbb1$22fe5df0$34e35cd1@YOUNGC>


The Atlantis doesn't really emphasis its connection to Rivendell at all, at least not according to the pictures I've seen. The downtube decal says Atlantic, the headbadge is different ...

Without really speaking for Grant, it seems to me that Grant is marketing the Atlantis frames as a different brand, not as a model of Rivendell. Same goes for the Rambouillet.

Just like Colgate and Palmolive dish detergent. Both owned by the same company, but marketed as completely separate brands.

While I don't know much about the original Libertas marque ... with the stink that's been going on with regards to the Hetchins marque, it might be a good idea to come up with a different name ... just to be on the safe side.

I happen to like Jan's agreement ... "Corcordia" would make an excellent brand name ... and while there could be some confusion with the Concorde marque, I think it would be less so than Libertas.

--

Steven L. Sheffield stevens at veloworks dot com veloworks at mac dot com aitch tee tea pea colon [for word] slash [four ward] slash double-you double-yew double-ewe dot veloworks dot com [four word] slash


> From: "Charles T. Young" <youngc@NetReach.Net>
> Date: Thu, 14 Mar 2002 18:36:56 -0500
> To: "Grant Petersen" <gp@rivendellbicycles.com>,
> <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
> Subject: Re: [CR]Grant's Bike Name Question
>
> 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
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Grant Petersen" <gp@rivendellbicycles.com>
> To: <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
> Sent: Thursday, March 14, 2002 6:07 PM
> Subject: [CR]Grant's Bike Name Question
>
>
>> 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.