List folks: I am one of those "gullible fools." However, I would have to disagree with Mr. Mooz's comments regarding buying based on "image." What part does "brand loyalty" or in my case, "brand stupidity" play in this? Motobecane (and in my case, Gitane), are not advertised in the USA at all. There is only one store that I know of in Southern California that sells Motobecane. Gitane aren't sold in the USA at all - I had to get my new one sent from France. I always rode on a Gitane - have a few old ones (looking for more, if anyone has a 56cm TdF frameset or Super Corsa - wasn't that the name of the campy equipped ones? - I am interested), so when I bought a bike to race again with today, it had to be the same brand. I probably could have bought a better bike at a cheaper price...but I wouldn't have been happy with it. I don't think it is an image thing though, merely a loyalty issue. Again, I think there is a difference between "Brand Stupidity" and "Marketing Gullibility"...but then maybe you were talking about me after all.... My two cents. Stephan "Gullible People Unite" Andranian Costa Mesa, CA Jerry & Liz Moos <jerrymoos@sbcglobal.net> wrote:I think I know what I am saying, namely that in my view, to be a "real" example of a marque, a product must either be (A) produced by a person or firm with some significant link to the original producer, like Bianchi or Peugeot or (B) be produced per designs and/or methods as near as practical to the original like Bates or Hetchins. The current Mercier and Motobecane do neither, and are therefore, in my opinion fakes and frauds. People who buy based on image unsubstantiated by substance or tradition are in my opinion gullible fools. Unfortunately our current society is full of such people. Of course those who think image is everything are entitled to their opinion. I am obliged to tolerate their opinion, but not to respect it. Least anyone feel insulted, I don't think anyone on this list fits that description.
Regards,
Jerry Moos Houston, TX
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