As an importer of Allara products with Mel Pinto Imports, I recently received some samples of the current ALE water bottles. An interesting thing about Allara is that most of their products are exactly the same as they have always been. Bottles, toe clips, toe straps, etc. are essentially the same as ever, which is why I carry many of the products. The new bottles are just like the old ones, with the exact same printing (including the "GUARANTEED ODOURLESS AND TASTELESS" imprint and the ALE winged logo). They are still available with three different types of caps (with a separate little tethered spout cap, more common snap plunger type or full snap-over cover) all that attach with the ring around the throat of the bottle. They are available in 550cc, 640cc and 850cc sizes. Allara even still offers the Junior-sized bottles (330cc) and the little flask-like bottles. They are available in white, blue, yellow, black and red with no graphics (although I believe graphics are available at additional changes).
I had been thinking about bringing some of these bottles in, but I'm a little concerned whether a market for them really exists. The standard "vintage" 550cc bottle comes in a minimum quantity of 300 pieces, and the 640cc in 250 pieces. These bottles would likely retail for between $6 to $10 each.
So, is there any real market for this kind of thing? If so, I would think the CR list would be a good representation. Is anyone interested in these bottles? If you think you might purchase one or more of these, please let me know via a reply to this email (off list, of course), along with your size and color preference. If enough people want them, I will order them. I'll have the samples at the Cirque for those interested. Thanks.
Wayne
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Wayne Bingham
Velo Classique
PO Box 2069
Purcellville, VA 20134 USA
540-338-8376
http://www.veloclassique.com