Steve nad the gang,
Just a quick note on the subject of the repro brake hoods and then I'm back to the sidelines. Richard Storino called me this morning to chat like he does every so often. We talked for over an hour about all kinds of topics; needless to say one of them was this issue about reproduction brake hoods. Please allow me to give everyone my impression of the situation and Richard Storinos' position.
First, notice I have not previously participated in this discussion for the simple reason that I don't have an opinion either way on if, when, or by whom Campy logo hoods are produced. Whatever happens I will deal with it.
Richard Storino has nothing to do with wheather Campagnolo will make or liscence a logo product. The lawyers for the company in Italy call the shots, period. I would imagine their policy on these issues were established a long time ago and that is the standard. I doubt if a petition will be of any use in changing their minds. As a matter of fact it would probably strengthen their resolve to continue with the policy for the obvious reasons. People are going to do what they're going to do; same with Campagnolo. If that changes then great. Richard told me that Euro-Asia Imports arranged for the last official run of brake hoods (I guess with the sheild logo anyway) from Campagnolo at which time they said buy as many as you want because this is the last time; so get what you need. End of story.
You can make the hoods without the Campagnolo logo with no problems. I actually like the idea that someone suggested of a modified world logo with the cartoon moom instead. I'd buy those babys for a user for sure. You want an authentic collectable you'll have to search out the originals, until they're all gone. Such is life.
That's my .02 on this issue and only because I just spoke to Richard and he's a good friend and a good and genuinely cycling oriented person. He has bee all of his life, just like most of the rest of us. He's the real thing all the way around. He's also got a job to do and if he weren't doing a satisfactory job by the companies' standards he would not have this important position for these so many years. Richard is not dictating policy nor is he sicking company lawyers on anyone. That's their job in Italy and they see to it anywhere in the world.
Brian Baylis La Mesa, CA Sure, Richard is a friend, but those are the facts.