Re: [Classicrendezvous] Brooks !

(Example: Framebuilders)

Date: Wed, 04 Oct 2000 15:34:29 -0800
From: "Chuck Schmidt" <chuckschmidt@earthlink.net>
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Subject: Re: [Classicrendezvous] Brooks !
References: <de.ab95cc4.270ce2c6@aol.com> <970692201.39db9669e3076@webmail.mtco.com> <39DB9D94.6E6E355@penn.com>


Jerry Moos wrote:
>
> I too am guessing that Brooks sales were making a modest comeback, at least in the
> US. And I think the proper marketing approach by a new owner could tap a
> significant niche market for continued Brooks sales, namely the upscale middle age
> or thirty-something buyer or those who fancy themselves upscale. The use of natural
> materials, be it leather upholsterly and walnut accents in that Lexus, Mercedes or
> Lincoln or the leather jackets and 100% wool sweaters from the L.L. Bean catalog
> (have to plead guilty personally on that last one) have a strong appeal in the
> upscale market and beyond. The 22 year old Cat 1 racer probably won't ever buy
> Brooks because of weight, but a lot of $4000 race bikes are bought by people with
> good incomes but no serious racing aspirations and those guys might be conviced to
> buy Brooks based on superior quality in every aspect except weight. Leather seats
> probably add to the weight of a Ferrari, too, but you can bet the buyers demand
> them.
>
> Regards,
>
> Jerry Moos

I think that most of these "upscale middle age or thirty-something buyers" are already riding on leather saddles. Leather upholstery over foam with a steel frame. Sounds like a seat in a Ferrari, no?

Lower weight is the god that is worshiped today and weight has always been one of the reasons for Brooks' lack of acceptance with people who buy $4000 race bikes.

Chuck Schmidt
South Pasadena, California