> >Bruce Gordon Cycles should fold, or find internal
> genius to compete, or
> find genius-help to
> >compete.
>
> Geesh Joe. I don't know if that is completely fair
> to BG
It is written as "completely fair," unless you can cough up a fourth option.
and not enough
> credit is given to him or anybody who continues to
> try to make a meger
> living at it despite market forces.
That's what all you enthusiasts do, tell them how
great they are at what they do, like it's a "calling"
to be the poor artisan. F**k that.
> Sachs is out there and works hard at it. Developed
> his brand and has
> invested wisely with team sponsorship and time.
He's had CONSIDERABLE HELP through the years by a
number of print media authors.
> Nobody has ever accused
> Bruce of being approchable and I get the feeling
> sometimes that he thinks
> just because he builds people should be knocking
> down his door.
I don't know him, but maybe there's a business person that could match up with him to effect change in him necessary to keep from bitching about making $6/hour after expenses. Get him up to at least $20/hour or send him to Labor Ready where he can make a whole dollar more than six.
But, I have
> a tremendous amount of respect for anybody who puts
> their nose to the
> grinder, despite the fiscal shortcomings associated
> with that line of work.
> It speaks of passion. Market forces will prevail
> unless he gets out front or
> adjusts his costs accordingly. But the fact that he
> builds, and keeps at it
> is at least a testament to his fortitude.
>
> All that being said. I was thinking about the
> collectibility of these KOF
> frames... From a form and function standpoint. What
> is being built now by
> the American artisian may be the pinnacle.
>
> That is why I collect mostly these types of bikes.
> But, what kind of value
> will they retain in the future? Art will be the
> merit that most of them will
> have to stand on.
The other day I looked at some art displayed at the
Capitol made by grade-schoolers of Wisconsin and it
all blew me away; these young people are doing stuff
of incredible depth of skill and spirit. This is what
I'd buy.
> Unlike the bikes that a majority of the list collect
> where sentimental value
> and pedigree are a huge factor, the KOF frames just
> don't have that I don't
> think. My guess is that out of all the KOF frames
> there, Rivendell may very
> well be the most collectable of them all and will
> hold the value because of
> the cult status it has attained. Sachs too because
> his bikes are raced and
> his bikes have won. But, I wonder if say a CAAD4
> Team frame will be more
> collectible?
No comment. As Trek founder Bevel Hogg was fond of saying, "Let water seek its own level."
I say, When the dust settles...first you have to kick up the dust.
Joe Starck Madison, Wisconsin
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