According to my memory, the boutique bike buying started back in the days when a high class bike shop was just a clean version of the LBS. I have very vivid memories of trying to buy a Paramount in 1971. The dealer I worked for couldn't get one, so I went back to my parent's home town where I'd bought my first bike, and his allotment was sold out too - for the next year and a half!
I didn't see that kind of waiting list again until the mid-90's when I tried to buy a Harley, and was told there was a one year waiting list.
Guess what: I think we were talking the same, identical, customers in both instances. You know, the kind who jump on the latest fad, have to have only the BEST model, never mind their riding ability, and lose interest shortly after the fad dies out.
Only thing different nowdays is that the bike shops have gotten trendier. They too have discovered Harley-Davidson's marketing secret, and copied, copied, copied.
George R. "Syke" Paczolt Montpelier, VA
Mark Poore wrote:----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Wed, 12 Apr 2006 05:39:03 -0700 (PDT) From: Mark Poore To: rocketman531, classicrendezvous Subject: Re: [CR]Unfortunate Victims of Boutique Bicycle Buying
Message: 1
<snip>
On the boutique bicycling buying, didn't the bicycle chain stores get their start in the '70's? And weren't there many highend full Campagnolo bikes sold to folks that weren't riders at the time of purchase? Weren't many of these newbies dressed in full wool or newer material of the times? I was wondering what the judgemental riders of the '50's and '60's thought of these folks as they passed them on their 20-30 year old bikes and clothing? Just a thought.
Mark Poore Slatyfork, WV
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