goodrichbikes wrote:
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> In the case of randonneur bikes, why is it that that the Herse's and Singer's fetch more loot and respect than the replicas that builders like Toei and Hirose make? At least, this seems to be true in the US. The Toei's almost across the board, are better built and finished than the French builders that he's imitating. Is it that people want the originals? Is it that collectors are more interested in the "oldness" of the French bikes? Or is it a Euro-centric bias? Probably all of the above. Thoughts?
Curt, I thought we'd hear from Jim Cunningham by now but I'll relate what he told me a few years ago...
Jim was invited to help judge a show in Japan a few years ago. Big deal show at the ski resort on Mt. Fuji. Jim told me that the new Toeis with all new-old-stock rare french period parts finished ahead of the original Herse and Singer vintage bikes!
Go figure!
Chuck Schmidt L.A.
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