Originally Posted by
pacificcyclist
Wait a sec here! Does this mean that I have to meet the cow and get to know it before I had it turned into a nice juicy steak?
Packaged food product do identify the vendor, for example in case of food recall.
Why would they need to know? You go to a bike shop, buy a Dahon, simple. I don't really see what impact it might have on the bike shopper. Even for me, knowing that there are two companies, what does it matter? As long as I like the bike and it does what I need it to do, then whoever has control of factories or whatever and court cases, let them slide. I'll ride.
Yes, "As long as I like the bike and it does what I need it to do" is the key. Otherwise you need, warranty, safety recalls, and spare parts, which are the responsibilities of the bike company, not the bike shop. The bike company obligations do not end at the time of purchase.
I find the practice of 'we will sell you a bike from independent company A or independent company B but will make it vague which one' to be strange.