Originally Posted by
big chainring
There are a couple bikes that always catch my attention that are basicly the same thing as the OP's bike. A Raleigh Record in Team Raleigh paint job, and a Falcon/Merckx. Both are basicly faux race bikes, replicating true racing bikes. Sure its a licensed product but still, a "fake".
With the availability of repro decals I am sure many faux DeRosa, Colnago, etc. bikes are wondering the streets.
Don't forget the entry level Gios bikes in the 70's too. (Those interestingly are ignored by Gios in their corporate history)
All of those just cited though are as noted "approved" applications. One can make a case as not smart, obviously the product manager felt it was a good idea in a profit margin kind of way. That goes in contrast to a use where the owner of the brand received no compensation, a significant difference.