I think it is history, tradition, and image. The same reasons that a Harley-Davidson sells for a significantly higher price than Japanese motorcycles that are far superior technically. Or French wines from mediocre vinyards sell for more in the US than California wines of the same variety and better quality.
Regards,
Jerry Moos
In the case of randonneur bikes, why is it that that the Herse's and Singer's fetch more loot and respect than the replicas that builders like Toei and Hirose make? At least, this seems to be true in the US. The Toei's almost across the board, are better built and finished than the French builders that he's imitating. Is it that people want the originals? Is it that collectors are more interested in the "oldness" of the French bikes? Or is it a Euro-centric bias? Probably all of the above. Thoughts?
Curt Goodrich
Minneapolis, MN