look at what e-ritchie started.........
> Consolidation happens when unit sales are down and market
> share becomes the only way to grow. Far from "stickering up"
> nondescript frames, the current successful brands have
> fantastically unique manufacturing and technology.
> Can someone name a copycat brand that is successful in the
> bike business?? My impression is that 50% of the bike
> industry is one bad season away from bankruptcy.
Unfortunately you got that right, though I have to add, even if they are NOT copy cat brands they are 1 season away from bankruptcy- Cannondale is a prime example. And Specialized is quite successful with their R&D efforts: Rip off and Duplicate......
Tom Martin
Oakland CA