John,
Many of the "gimmicks" for sales/increased profits (cutting time and or expenses is how it's really done) come from the mass produced frame companies. The MASTER of that game is Ernesto Colnago. Standarizing forks by going with full chrome and going to straight fork blades is an example. Once the forks (generally built in 3 different steerer lengths and 7 or 8 factory colors) were all chrome; suddenly there are just forks with 3 different length steerers. At their volume of production, this is a huge savings in time and trouble. Genius. Same with straight forks. Bending forks in a factory situation takes some time. The straight forks made the job MUCH faster and easier.
There are lot's of things like that that are responsible for increased profits. Making odd and unusual frames is not how one increases sales/profits. It may get you noticed, but it will not make you rich. Ernesto knows how to get rich. Most of the rest of us scrap for a living; and even somewhat enjoy it. ;-)
Brian Baylis
La Mesa, CA
USA
THE RED ONE WILL GO FASTER!? The BEST reply,That?I think I got.?Thanks for all the comments regarding my questions. Is this NOT what the C/R format is for?. Open the mind, think why are we so involved in our hobby,? NOW to another question. SO frame builders past and present have always been faced with HOW to increase sales.MAKE MONEY etc. How many "GIMMICKS",did frame builders and dealers use to produce a product that would sell and catch the buyers eye. Some that worked, Curly stays, Cigar tubes, flying?gates spilt tubes, etc.Some for looks only, FANCY Lugs, paint,?lining.etc ?Some did not work? Paris Galiber maybe.?Mostly by Brit builders, how about the rest of the world, Lets see what the members know and remember. How many OWN one.Did they get it for the so called"Gimmicks"?did they hope to cash in on it?at some point, OR as a true collector hold on to it for future generations of collectors. Cheers John Crump Old&holdingonBrit, Parker, Co USA??