Well, like so many of us on the list, these guys are getting a bit older, reaching the age at which many "normal" people either begin considering retirement, at least an early retirement, or launch a second career. Now hopefully for the classic bike community, none of these guys will soon retire altogether , but it's completely natural and understandable that, after decades of pursuing a particular line of business, people reach a point at which they want to do something different, or at least pursue the same basic business in a different way. Hopefully, each of these guys has enjoyed enough success that they don't feel they need the revenue associated with accepting every order that comes in, nor do they need to maximize output to establish themselves in the market, that having been achieved decades ago. So now they can be selective, perhaps accepting orders for bikes they find interesting to build, but under no obligation to accept any and all orders. That is, after all, one of the legitimate and just rewards of having achieved a high degree of success in any field.
Regards,
Jerry Moos Big Spring, Texas, USA
Tom Sanders <tesanders@comcast.net> wrote: I just read that Richard Sachs will cease accepting new orders in that post by Angel Garcia. At Cirque both Brian Baylis and Peter Weigle said that they were closing theirs.
I understand the burden placed on them by five or six years of orders and the limiting influence it can be in their lives (Yes, I am well aware that the financial security can also widen some aspects of their lives, too) and darn near keeping them in bondage to a single occupation.
However I am really curious as to the take on this that CR members might have. All three of the builders I cite above are very intelligent, generous and nice guys, there is obviously no character flaw involved in this decision and it must make very good sense to them. Are more builders about to do this? Sacha White comes readily to mind as someone else a bit snowed under. What does it mean to the rest of us? Is this a break for the fledgling builders? Will it result in a drop in the production of KOF bikes? An increased interest ( and price spike) in KOF bikes or perhaps a drop in interest accompanied by a rise in interest in Vintage bikes?
I have so many questions running around in my mind about this. I have been a great fan of KOF bikes in addition to vintage and have owned (and still own some of them) bikes by all three builders.
Where do my compatriots on the list see KOF building heading?
It would be great to hear these builders explain their take , not that they owe us an explanation, but just to give us a bit of insight.
Tom Sanders
Lansing, Mi USA