Originally Posted by tjspiel

Of course I don't know exactly why BD bought and used those names, but I bet it sure makes it easier as a new online retailer when a curious buyer can google one of your brands and stuff shows up. Even if the buyer had never heard of Motobecane before there's a benefit. It is possible that the BD folks were just bike enthusiasts and thought it would be cool to bring back a couple of dead brands. So maybe I'm being overly cynical.

Motobecane made some very nice bikes including TDF winners, along with very average ones. Just like Peugeot (also defunct). The right vintage models fetch a steep price. Plenty of companies that have made great products end up defunct.



Well, there are quite a few differences. From what I've observed, the local (Minnesota) bike biz is kind of incestuous. It has to be, the Twin Cities isn't that big. QBP and Surly's relationship goes right back to the beginning of Surly. Surly was started by people who had connections to QBP, - including current and former employees. Civia, I believe has always been a QBP brand. Don't know how Salsa ended up with them.

Back in '99 or so after the Crosscheck came out, Surly had only a few full time employees. About a year ago I was looking for a particular type of cyclocross handlebar and posted an add on Craigslist. A guy replied saying he had a set that he'd sell me because he ended up buying a larger size. It turns out the seller was one of the old Surly guys. He owns a bikeshop/cafe now. The bars he sold me were Salsas.