e-Richie asked:
> don't those 3 firms outsource to asia as well?
in response to Marty's earlier comment:
> Colnago, De Rosa, Gios and and many other old marques made
> the transition from lugged steel frames to swoopy carbon fibre
> modern aluminium without the loss of quality nor the perception
> of having "fallen".
Colnago, Gios and De Rosa all outsource parts of their modern production to the Far East. De Rosa and Gios use forks made by the Japanese company Mizuno (likely produced in Mizuno's Chinese factories). Neither is afraid of making it known as they clearly indicate it on the forks. Colnago that I know of, used to outsource forks and rear triangles to China but always avoided it being common knowledge. They do indicate that the forks and rear triangle on their 'top-of-the-line' anniversary bike are outsourced from the Italian company ATR. Having been to one of the Chinese fork manufacturers' plants, I can assure you that there is no child labor being used and by Chinese standards the work conditions are among the very best. Notwithstanding this, I would never want to work there. In China, jobs in these factories are considered great work for young women as they offer clean living quarters, steady income and a not overly heavy work load. I won't guess at the possible effects of the carbon fibers in the air but then those exist everywhere in the world where they work with fibers.
For those that do not have delicate sensitivities, may I mention that a friend of mine in Vicenza (home of Campagnolo) has developed a new production technology that avoids the need for vacuum molding of carbon fiber bike components. He already works as a third-party supplier making carbon fiber soles for cycling shoes, plus chainrings, handlebar/stem units as well as numerous other items. It was interesting to hear that over 90% of his production presently ends up in the US! So when you decry the state of the 'world' bicycle trade today, look in your immediate vicinity first.
--
Steven Maasland
Moorestown, NJ