[CR] End of an Era re: MERCKX (KOF) Steel bikes

(Example: History)

Content-Class: urn:content-classes:message
Date: Thu, 14 May 2009 14:43:13 -0500
Thread-Topic: End of an Era re: MERCKX (KOF) Steel bikes
Thread-Index: AcnUzDf5uJKWyWQwShem3mW+oudD1Q==
From: "John Hurley" <JHurley@jdabrams.com>
To: <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
Subject: [CR] End of an Era re: MERCKX (KOF) Steel bikes


I hadn't visited the Bob Jackson website in quite a while, so I visited it today and found the following: http://www.bobjacksoncycles.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath(&products_idI5

Due to the very high demand for the "Off The Peg" range we are running low on our stock of all models and most sizes. As such we are having to build most frames as ordered.

Please note delivery now approx 7 weeks

We are working flat out to try and get back on top with our stock levels, But please note un-like many frames all our's are hand built and painted in the UK.

Thankyou for your understanding.

I copied and pasted, so any typos are theirs. For those who may not know, "off the peg" means frames that are already built but not painted. You pick the size and specify the color(s). Of course these are lugged steel frames, and I think they mainly use Reynolds tubing. They advertise a nice frame and fork for £360, which I think includes the VAT (tax) which can be deducted if you're not a Brit.

Steel isn't used by pro racers, nor by most of the general cycling public, but the trade seems alive and well, although serving a select market. At least BJC is trying to keep these treasures within reach of the cash-challenged. I don't see how they do it, but they appear to be succeeding.

John Hurley
Austin, Texas, USA