Originally Posted by
chaadster
Get a grip. Who said anything about Brompton growing? You're just pulling crap out of your bung because you got called out, and don't have a leg to stand on. Rage on, if you want, but you're clearly not a serious person.
What did I do to you to warrant such comments simply because I disagree with you? I agreed with you that I don't like the handlebars and offered to show you a pic of my modification. Secondly I pointed out there is no point comparing Dahon's entire folding range to Brompton's niche. The Brompton is aimed at commute n'go and shorter journeys. Dahons 20" wheels and upwards are suited or longer distances and have different segments. I'm just talking about comparing like for like. I don't think you've taken the time to understand Brompton or their company before jumping on my comments.
You said and I quote directly
and I don't see any reason that Brompton's sales should grow. In fact, there almost certainly will be some lost sales for Brompton because there has been a lack of competitive products to do what Bromptons do.
Brompton Bicycles is a type of company once thought extinct: a London-based
manufacturing company. Based in Brentford, where they make the folding bikes for which
they are famous, this 30 year old company has seen recent sales growth of 25 to 30 per cent
per year.
So there is no reason for Brompton to grow? And there product is not competitive? The market speaks for itself so you can keep using the word FACT without providing any. Finally the Curl is not exactly cheap is it? Despite Brompton's prices they keep selling. Brompton now produce over 30,000 bikes per annum and it can still not sell enough. It's greatest problem is not selling its bikes but meeting orders and expanding production capacity. They plan to double this in 2012-13 to deal with order backlogs.
And I repeat, I never said Brompton are bigger than Dahon but they are growing and cannot sell enough bikes and the market wants it despite all your claims. I don't see the Curl preventing that.
The Curl looks like a quality bike and I look forward to seeing it. The Brompton is not for everybody and nor should it be. I own a Dahon, Brompton, Pacific and Airnimal and the entire folding bike sector is growing right now which is great to see.