[CR]Makes that don't get no respect!

(Example: Component Manufacturers:Campagnolo)

From: <themaaslands@comcast.net>
To: Classicrendezvous@bikelist.org (Classic Rendezvous)
Date: Thu, 25 Sep 2003 06:05:30 +0000
Subject: [CR]Makes that don't get no respect!

Reading the laments of those feeling the upcoming event in Pasadena does not give sufficient recognition to certain countries or brands, who makes your list of the brands not get their fair share of recognition and why.

I would like to point out Marinoni out of Montreal. He has now been building for 28 years and has likely produced more frames than any other builder in North America: probably close to 30,000. He offers what are probably the best deal on frames around. Back in the early 80's I had him build me three custom frames and each one was great. At the time, all his customers buying custom frames had the choice of a fork crown with pantographed maple leaves, fleur de lys, your initials or M for Marinoni. So if you come across a Marinoni frame with the initials SM on the fork crown, let me know as it might be one of my old ones. I am certain quite a few other list members have also gone through a Marinoni frame or two and would be interested to hear of just how many.

What about RIH and Gazelle from the Netherlands? They haven't even made Dale's list of makers on the CR main yet.

I'm glad that Julien Germain pointed out the origin of the Automoto brand. It would be even nicer if vintage collector's get a better feel for the importance of this brand to cycling. Automoto were 'the' brand in professional racing for many years, easily eclipsing brands like Legnano and Bianchi. Does anybody want to add something about the history of this illustrious brand that doesn't get the respect it deserves.
>From Italy, there are a number of brands that have fallen by the wayside that once were ampng the world's best. You have brands like Gloria (don't forget to take a look at the lily lugs on the Garibaldina!), Umberto Dei (bought out by Bianchi), Gerbi (one of the first former pro racers to set up his own bike brand and sponsor pro riders), Lygie (Bought out by Rizzato/Atala. pronounced like the French company Ligier: lee-ssh-ee-eh)...

All brands from Japan don't get their fair share of respect. Even Nakagawa and 3Rensho, while shown a minimal amount of respect when compared to other Japanese brands, probably don't get thier fair share.

Any other brands that are candidates for the Rodney Dangerfields of vintage bikes?

--
Steven Maasland
Moorestown, NJ