Well, well, well. The member who originally posted Chairman Bill's comments said he was intending to "stir the pot" and he has certainly done that. I just received an email from Chairman Bill McGann himself objecting to my characterizing his comments as BS.
He confirms essentially what Jim says that in the past he both rode and sold Peugeot and Gitane. I told him that based on that, of which there was no indication in his original comments, that his comments are not BS, but an honest informed opinion which just happen to be totaly opposite my honest informed opinion and those of several other list members.
I also told him that his own background and experience, had he stated it in his original comments, would have been viewed with much more respect that the second hand opinions of unnamed pro riders which he quoted in his comments.
So let's put this to rest. Bill McGann does after all have personal experience on which to base his opinion. It therefore is not BS, and I respect his opinion. I also completely disagree with it and I doubt either of us will persuade the other, but that's OK.
Regards,
Jerry Moos Houston, TX
Jim Allen <motorref@peoplepc.com> wrote: For those who don't know Chairman Bill's past history, Torelli Imports started as a bike store in the 70's, and chairman Bill sold and raced on the very bike and models we're discussing.
Can't say much about the the financial influencing opinions, other than to note that Peugeot is no longer much of a factor in the US.
I worked in a bike shop at the time, and sold and serviced those same bikes. My opinion mirrors Bill's.
Disclaimer: I paint a bunch of bikes every year for Bill, so I guess you're gonna have to totally disregard the above!
Jim Allen
the CycleSmiths
Ranchita, CA
760 782 2737