Fred Rednor wrote:
For example, although I have only seen photos of the Japanese copies of the French randonneur bikes, my impression is that these copies achieve a level of near-perfection in their finish that the originals never achieved.
Having seen many, many Japanese touring and racing bikes in shops and on the road, I agree with Fred ... the finish on almost everthing from, mid-range production to custom Japanese bikes (in 70's & 80's) was excellent.
Despite that, they did not evoke the emotion or desire that French bikes provoked. (in me anyway).
For what its worth (and from what I can remember) French and Italian bikes cost more in Japan at the time, than equivalent Japanese bikes. They were not nearly as reliable and replacement parts were outrageously expensive ... yet they had a faithful following. Go figure.
Amir Avitzur Ramat-Gan, Israel
BTW: anybody out there have a Cyclo-Benelux front derailleur to sell or trade? Disclaimer: from 1981-83 my only bike was a Miyata fixed gear with add-on brakes.