Michael Allison wrote, about Bob Freeman:
> Beware of this guy!!! Last year I bought a Colnago frame from
> him. [snip]
> Finally when the job was finished and I paid him, he returned
> my check, saying he thought I did not want the bike. [snip]
> How many bikes/frames has he sold that are not what he claims-??
Michael, I'm trying to reconcile this with what else I know about him, especially the glowing reviews other CR members have given him. Without knowing all the details, it's easy to imagine this all could have sprung out of a couple of misunderstandings. Not saying its your fault, Bob no doubt could have handled it better, but he's no crook. I worked at his and Bill Davidson's shop Davidson Handbuilt Bicycles years ago, so I'm not unbiased. We had our differences (why I quit) but I never saw any shady dealings, and you don't stay in business as long as they have in the little fishbowl of the Seattle bike scene if you cheat people. Full disclosure: I have no business or other relationship with Bob or Davidson anymore, we're not friends, I don't even shop there (not my neighborhood, and I have friends in the bike biz who get me deals).
Just so we're clear, shouldn't your first line have been you TRIED to buy a Colnago from him? Sounds like you were out $0.
Your last sentence, framed coyly as a question, is calling him a liar and a cheat - pretty strong words, without any evidence. Correct me if I'm wrong, but it sounds like: (1) you weren't cheated (except, I suppose, of your time) (2) you have no knowledge of anyone else being cheated (3) you're calling him a cheat anyway
I'm inclined to think you throw strong words about a little too lightly.
Mark Bulgier
Seattle WA USA