My "vote" is no/maybe/yes for Libertas. I associate it with one of my high school friends bike boom piece of junk - something inescapable about that which would lead me away from purchasing a bike by that name. Yes, the name critically is important. Depending on how and whom the bike is marketed to is how I believe Grant's decision should be based. If marketed to someone like me, I think it'll be a hard sell. If marketed to different generation as a quality, lugged steel, entry level bike then I believe "Libertas" has appeal. Just don't look to me for a sale.
While on the subject - sort-of - how about a Rivendell frame but with nice plain simple long point lugs for those of us who buy into the design, quality and price but are turned off buy the elaborate waves, swirls, and generally busy lines of the lugs on the Riv. Is there no market for that in your line-up?
My 2 cents.
Eric Elman
Somers, CT
Hi, This is borderline CR material, but I can't think of a better group to pitch it to. Also, don't consider yourselves part of a "focus group," because I can't stand the thought of one (I've had experience with them). Nope, I'm asking because ifSwell, I'll just get to it.
A new bike/frame is in the works. I want to name it Libertas, because I like the name (and I'll send it to the finest school in town). Libertas means Liberty in Latin (LLL). "Liberty" has nothing to do with anything, I just like the name, the way it rolls of my tongue. BUT Libertas is the name of an old Belgian bike. As I recall, sort of a mass-market Belgian bike, last sold in the U.S. About 1975. I don't care about the specifics there, what I want to know your thoughts on is whether or not it's okay to resurrect a name that's already been used. Consider:/ 1. It is up for grabs. Yeah, it is. I checked 2. The bike will retail for about $1300, and be lugged steel part, a way better bike than the original, so it's not as though I'm considering naming it Confente or something...I am not, in the language of lawyers, "trading on a good name," or hoping to trick folks into thinking a junky Libertas is as good as the original great one. As I've said, this one will be Sa better bike. 3. On the con side, I don't think I'd feel great about somebody doing that to Rivendell (or Rambouillet).
I have an alternate name that I like 75 percent as much. I don't want to do a bad thing, and I don't want to catch heat. It must be clear that I hope LIBERTAS passes muster with the CR list, because I figger nobody off the list would even give a hoot; and I know that nobody for whom the bike is marketed has ever heard of Libertas. I just need a mess of outside opinions, since I'm not an outsider myself. The question is: Libertas--YES or NO?
I don't know if this is a bad inquiry, Dale, but you've got the RIGHT group here, and I couldn't resist. I'll risk getting kicked off for this, and won't whine if it happens, no hard feelings. I'll decide by March 15.
Grant Petersen
Walnut Creek
3.