There is a lot of historical info (articles and books) on Tony Hadland's
web site. Here's the URL:
http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/
Chuck Schmidt L.A.
Grant McLean wrote:
>
> >From "sunset for suntour" by Frank Berto:
>
> http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/
>
> JASCA (Japan Sports Cycle Association) was formed in 1963 and expanded in
> 1964. JASCA promoted Japanese bicycle components with joint advertising and
> marketing. It consisted of Araya (rims), Daido (chains), Dia Compe (brakes),
> Maeda-SunTour (derailleurs and freewheels), HKK (chains), Kusuki (handlebars
> and stems), KKT (pedals), Nankai (coaster brakes), Shimano (hubs,
> freewheels, and derailleurs), Sugino (cranksets), Taihei (saddles), and
> Takagi (cranksets).
>
> JASCA had problems promoting competing companies. In 1969, JASCA split into
> two trade associations: JBM (Japan Bicycle Manufacturers) and JEX (Japan
> Bicycle Parts Manufacturers Group for Export Promotion).
>
> The JBM group consisted of Araya, KKT, Sakae Ringyo (cranksets), Shimano,
> Takagi, and Tange (tubing). JBM did not have a non-compete requirement. As
> Shimano grew, it expanded into components that competed with the other JBM
> members. JBM broke up in 1984.
>
> The JEX group consisted of Dia Compe, HKK, Maeda-SunTour, Nankai, Sugino,
> and Taihei. The JEX members agreed not to compete with each other's
> products. This turned out to be a liability in the 1980s when the market
> turned to gruppos. When SunTour sold gruppos, they bought the other
> components from their JEX partners. By this time, Shimano was a much larger
> company with a much broader sales base. "
>
> Highly suggested reading!!!
>
> Grant McLean
> Toronto.Ca
>
> O \O/
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