----- Original Message -----
From: <Bikerdaver@aol.com>
> They are made with Columbus
> Chromor. From discussions here on the list. I was informed that this
material is bunk. But why would a frame manufacturer go out of their way to
make such beautiful frames using such "lower-end" material?
>
That's exactly what the industry wants you to think, that the tubing (or even the material) makes the bike. Just like they want you to think the group makes the bike. They can sell a crap frame hung with Record all day long, but for the same money a really nice frame with Veloce will collect dust, though it's really the better bike in all ways except image.
Cromor is a fine tubset, and I think actually better for a lot of riders.
Because that grade of steel has lower tensile strength, it's in heavier
gauges than SL/Brain etc, but in normal tube OD's that's good for riders
160lbs+ or so. I have several Cromor bikes, and I like them a lot. Things
not related to the material or tubeset are what create a good bike. They are
not especially nice, since it's rare for a manufacturer to put labor into
frames that won't get good money. That's too bad. I'd love to see Cromor
bikes made to top workmanship standards.
>
> In the economic parlance of supply and demand, its clearly the
customer
> that has the final say as to whether or not to buy such frames.
>
Yes, it is. But that demand is controled largely by misinformation.
> I have to ask myself---and I do so with confusion---Is the manufacturer
wrong in assuming such frame material is worthy of such extra appointments,
or is the customer wrong in assuming a less than favorable and possibly
undeserving attitude about Chromor?
>
The latter, in my opinion.
> Moreover, if these Chromor frames are truly worthy of the attention to
> detail that the manufacturers have done to them, why would the consumer
"be wrong".
>
What is "wrong"? You have to define the term. I'm all for customer choices, but I think it should be an informed choice. I think the typical customer bias is very bent towards the highest tubsets and componentry because of how the industry markets the stuff. It has to, in order to grow and create profits for investors. It's like politicians. They want to hide any potential downsides, and over-emphasize what are often insignificant or misleading upsides. It is correct that an UltraFoco frame will be lighter than a Cromor frame, but when ALL things are considered in what the customer will expect from their bike, is it the best choice? That depends. They will rarely know, because the industry doesn't want them to make educated choices.
Jon Schaer
Columbus, OH