Re: [CR]KOFs and the market.

(Example: Racing:Roger de Vlaeminck)

Date: Thu, 09 Mar 2006 18:47:59 -0600
From: "John Thompson" <JohnThompson@new.rr.com>
Organization: The Crimson Permanent Assurance
To: CR List <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
Subject: Re: [CR]KOFs and the market.
References: <20060309213355.71394.qmail@web51908.mail.yahoo.com>
In-Reply-To: <20060309213355.71394.qmail@web51908.mail.yahoo.com>


Ron Gurth wrote:
> I think we all know that the boom in cycling this time around is
> definitely 'race' driven. That is all that is marketed via
> Buycycling and the major manufacturers.

I would characterize more as "performance" driven, rather than race driven. The vast majority of of the racing-type bike sold will never be used in a formal competitive event of any kind, but the buyers have been led to believe that they need the same "performance" advantage as the serious racers. Too few are willing to slow down and smell the flowers, or in my case, pick the berries that grow along so many of our roads in the summer.
> [...] A hand-made 'production' bike by Riv is filling my 'custom'
> void until I can get one. And this too gives me the chance to
> discuss with Trek riders why they need to look at and consider
> getting a fine hand-made machine, instead of the disposable bike they
> are riding.

I still wear my Trek T-shirts from the old days: "TREK: American Handbuilt Bicycles" :-) Back then, they were hand-built, albeit mass-produced like the modern Rivendells you mention.

--
John (john@os2.dhs.org)
Appleton WI USA