I'm a newbie but I thought I'd jump in on this one. From what I can tell, all Regina bicycle chains come out of the Yunnan factory. I do not know when bike chain production moved to China. Just the same, I have some connections and am going to try to get a sample of each sent my way so I can compare it to the real thing (which I have stashed away in a Regina tin can labeled "junior gears"!). My friend may be able to look at the material etc and tell me what is different or if/where costs have been cut. Just the same, it is possible that it is identical in quality to the older stuff.
I have two questions:
1) I'm not sure if the Regina America and SL stuff ever stopped production. I haven't used a Regina since 1988, does anyone know the history?
2) If the Chinese-made parts are identical to the older stuff does that qualify it as legitimate for rebuilds/period correct bikes or is an Italy stamp required? My guess is that opinions vary but curious to learn, since I'm new.
Thanks,
Dan Tedford