Re: [CR] Simplex

(Example: Production Builders:LeJeune)

Date: Mon, 22 Feb 2010 13:09:12 -0800
From: "verktyg" <verktyg@aol.com>
To: <crumpy6204@aol.com>, <Classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
References: <8CC820E00969EF8-13A8-7B9@webmail-d087.sysops.aol.com>
In-Reply-To: <8CC820E00969EF8-13A8-7B9@webmail-d087.sysops.aol.com>
Subject: Re: [CR] Simplex


John,

A very simple answer, Japanese collectors like them!

I recently had a discussion with a well known expert on cycling collectibles about Japanese collectors and he confirmed my suspicions.

What he said was many if not most of the folks in Japan who collect cycling items do it as a hobby.

While there are a few Japanese who are really into collecting and riding classic bikes and components, just like most of us on the CR list, sadly, many aren't interested in cycling at all!

They want to fill out their collection with examples of everything a specific European (French) bike component manufacturer produced during the classic era (sort of like us but different)!

For these collectors it sort of like stamp collecting! ;-(

If you check out the web sites of some of those collectors, they look like bicycle bingo cards! There's pre marked spaces for all of the items they want or need.

The Japanese collectors have a special thing for French components, just like what happened with German cameras during the 80s and 90s!

To me, it's somewhat akin to counting coup or collecting the skulls of fallen foes, i.e. the Japanese through innovative products helped destroy much of the German camera industry, the same thing happened with the help of Lucien Juy to the French cycling industry.

I'm not Japanese bashing, just giving an opinion. The Japanese built a better mouse trap and the world beat a path to their door (just as what happened with the the US consumer electronics industry - better hide your old Marantz stuff).

So far for you Campy aficionados only a few of these collectors have taken and interest in items from Vicenza... ;-)

Mssr. Chas. Colerich - almost Campy free zone (I have a few all Campy French bikes) in Oakland, CA USA

crumpy6204@aol.com wrote:
> I have never been a fan of Simplex gears, The 4speed, orig equip that I have on my 52 Claud is a pain in the arse. I did have a double cable tension one at one time a real mess, went into the wheel at one time, SO Whats so SPECIAL about the 543? One on Ebay with a start bid of $695.00! I have NEVER had any problems with Campag from the Gran Sport on BUT I never seen them for any where $695.00 Is this a case like the Hetchins frames, Price put way over, in my mind the TRUE VALUE by collectors? Cheers John Crump OldCamapgfanBrit, Parker, Co USA