Re: [CR]no US bike group

(Example: Component Manufacturers:Chater-Lea)

To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Date: Fri, 30 Aug 2002 18:38:02 -0400
Subject: Re: [CR]no US bike group
From: "Steven m Johnson" <grisha2@juno.com>


On Fri, 30 Aug 2002 14:51:02 -0400 <chasds@mindspring.com> writes:
> The United States is a motor-dominated society. It has been for 100
> years.
> Bicycles are toys to most people in the US. Not serious
> transportation. In
> the 1960s and 70s this was even more that case, if that's possible.
> No one in
> the US who cared had the money or expertise to manufacture a full
> parts group...but mostly, no-one cared, is my theory.

It is interesting to compare "The American BIcycle," and "The Dancing Chain."

During the 20s and 30s in the US, chromed, fat tired bicycles were popular. Schwinn created the Paramount line in 1938, but it looks like the sport and utility bike market were pretty small.

What was happening in France during this time, according to The Dancing Chain? They are holding trails to test bikes and gearing systems.

Looking good versus practical durable, tested and useful seems to me to be the difference on the two continents. US market is large, but the majority of the innovations were in Europe. No wonder there is no US bike group, the knowledge is outside the US. It still is. Doesn't matter, we can buy it if we want it.

You can have your Browning transmission, I'll take Campy SR.

Steven M. Johnson, Chesapeake, VA

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