Tough question... As you say, brake hoods are one thing... hard to get a lawsuit out of that I guess. But other parts that failed in the past or that hold a higher potential for injury are another matter. I can see how a company would be reluctant.
This reluctance would be compounded if the market for it was primarily in the USA. We have a reputation as being lawsuit-happy... for example, lat year I was interested in purchasing a MET Stradivarius helmet like Hilary's son brought to 2003 Cirque. Come to find out that MET, a family-owned company in Italy, doesn't want to market them in the US because we're so litigious.
But back to the brake hoods... I remember the thread sometime back about someone who manufactured replicas and soon got a cease-and-desist from Campy. I wonder if he just went ahead and did it or if he tried to get the rights first? I also wonder if this guy is still around, and if he still has the molds. Anyone know?
Reason I ask is that maybe we could take another stab at this, but this time do it right:
Start with a letter-writing campaign first, to chum the waters at Campy.
Then approach them with a polite request to manufacture the replica hoods if they do not appear interesteed in doing so themselves. Agree to release them from all liability and perhaps pay a small royalty?
Bob Hovey Columbus, GA
In a message dated 11/16/04 12:41:18 AM, classicrendezvous-request@bikelist.org writes:
>
> what do you propose campagnolo do about this?
> e-RICHIE
> chester, ct
>
>
>
>
>
> -- Joe Bender-Zanoni <joebz@optonline.net> wrote:
> Other firms and hobbies have worked this out.
>
> John Deere tractors and farm implements has an amazing collector hobby. The
> very active Two Cylinder Club puts out a magazine that is a delight.
>
> The company is enlightened and has a simple policy. They sell parts they
> make money on. If you break the lens on your 1952 Model 40 U headlight you
> trot over to the dealer. They sell you one just like the original. If the
> part doesn't make money, they make the tool available to a smaller vendor
> who perhaps can make it at a profit.
>
> Certain parts for even 1930's tractors are still available.
>
> They also reprint all the old manuals, in original style and fromat, for
> very reasonable prices.
>
> I realize that not all is comparable to the bicycle hobby as some of the
> same people who enjoy the tractor hobby go out and buy 1/4 million dollar
> machines based on brand loyalty but at least John Deere doesn't fight the
> hobbiests and nostalgia.
>
> Joe Bender-Zanoni
> Great Notch, NJ
> "Now Richie will roast me for nostalgia again"
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Charles Nighbor" <cnighbor@pacbell.net>
> To: "Classic Rendezvous" <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
> Sent: Monday, November 15, 2004 7:36 PM
> Subject: [CR] Asking Manufactures to remanufacture older sought after
> bicycle compotents
>
>
> > Asking Manufactures to remanufacture older sought after bicycle
> compotents. I can see Campanolo remanufacturing brake hoods. But what about
> parts that failed in the past. Even after many years of use they know they
> failed at some point. Therefore what is their liability when they fail
> again. They knew the orginal weakness in that particular compotent and they
> did it again. Good luck in the courts.
> >
> > Charles nighbor
> >
> > Who just got his 1958 Hetchins back from Ed litton with a wonderful resray
> in Walnut Creek, CA
> >
> > Ask for pics.