More like Japan in the late '50s, early '60s judging by the illustrative analogy offered.
Which raises the question: Are there any collectable Japanese lightweights from that era? I cannot recall having seen any discussed on the list since I've joined.
Kurt Sperry Bellingham WA
On Mon, 22 Nov 2004 18:12:25 -0500, Grant McLean
<grant.mclean@sportinglife.ca> wrote:
> Jerry,
>
> I find the irony of what you say is hilarious.
>
> Wasn't the 50's and 60's bicycle manufactuing the "golden era"
> for most memebers on this list? With that logic, China would be
> the perfect place to have a bike made in 2004.
>
> Like Milan was in 1953.
>
> Grant McLean
> Toronto, Canada
>
> Subject: Re: [CR]Re: [BOB] Schwinns at Target : 6x cheaper than before?
>
>
>
> I think what we are seeing is the maturing of Chinese manufacturing, which
> is where most of the Wal-Mart bikes are made. They are rapidly closing
> the quality and design gap on Taiwan and Korea, although they have a way
> to go to catch Japan. China today is where Japan was in, say the late
> 50's or very early 60's - trying to change from a lowball producer of
> cheap goods to a supplier of good quality and innovative design. They are
> a bit handicapped as to the latter, though, since many of their goods are
> designed by the foreign companies that market them.
>
> Regards,
>
> Jerry Moos
> Hoauton, TX