I used to work with Bob Zumwalt Jr. back in Seattle. Those that have been around a long time have most likely heard of Zumwalt's cycle in San Diego started by his father back in the late-30s, I believe. Bob told me once that as long as ther have been bikes there have been people laying down the cash for the best they could afford. As Chuck and Phil have pointed out you should really be thinkful for these folks for leaving us bikes in like new condition to be found. best, Brandon"monkeyman"Ives heading of to work with CF bikes and sus. forks in Coeur d'Alene, ID. and loving it.
>
> In a message dated 4/12/06 8:46:52 AM, sykerocker@yahoo.com writes:
>
>>According to my memory, the boutique bike buying started back in the days
>>when a high class bike shop was just a clean version of the LBS.
>
> There have been bike shops catering to the upper crust for a long time.
> Hans
> Oort in Beverley Hills-and San Francisco-sold a lot of bikes to movies
> stars
> and the like. Chuck Schmidt and I have often wondered what wonderful
> discoveries lurk in the garages of long time Beverley Hills residents.
> Phil Brown
> Going to work in what I believe is Hans Oort's old shop in San Francisco,
> not
> San Rafael, Calif.