The Libertas frames you are speaking of that were being punched out from these guys were last priced at $20 a frame if it gives an idea of the Libertas bikes. The FDs were being offered for $60 at last count, I paid close to $150 for one I had as did some other members of the CR list with whom I have discussed these marques. The FD wasn't a bad bike in all for the moolah for training, commuting, or spring beater. They were all bought out by another individual (I will refrain from the name) and now for a great price of $300-400 you can get yourself one of the same $60 FDs, and I believe the price I heard rumored on the $20 Libertas was $150. Interesting
Walter "no FDs or Libertas in my herd of bikes" Skrzypek
Falls Creek, Pa
GPVB1@cs.com wrote:
> With all of this discussion of the Libertas name, I am reminded of the
gentleman in Colorado that had the liquidation of "Flying Dutchman" and
"Libertas" house-brand framesets a few years ago. Does anyone remember the
stack of those NOS Reynolds 531 and Columbus frames at VeloSwap? I believe he
had them produced in Italy. Quality was, well.... about right for the price I
felt. Was it a Mr. van Gent? I bought one of the FDs in 531 with fork and
built it up for a friend. So far, so good (three years later). She's probably
got the only Flying Dutchman in the State of Michigan!
The frames were going dirt cheap, and were maybe 20 years old at the time. I remember speaking with him and his daughter. She was helping him liquidate his old stock. Both of them seemed like very nice folks.
Bottom line: I'd also vote no on the Libertas name, Grant. Perhaps something a little "zippier?" (Salsa is already taken, tho', I think)
Greg Parker (kind of a plain name, actually, now that I think of it. Maybe I need more zip.)
Balmy Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA