Originally Posted by
Bandera
Carradice, Karrimore or TA products were imports "back when" and subject to the schedule of duties imposed by government on imports that was part of net landed cost. That has less effect now with a relaxation of trade policy, and has never has affected domestic production.
The price/value proposition of domestic manufacturers including being sheltered by tariffs, along with the new generation of innovative products from Cannondale, Eclipse and Kirtland effectively replaced the traditional Euro bag mfgs in the US market by the mid-80's. Not so much anymore....
-Bandera
I remember that, I think it was why in the late 60s UO8s were competitive in price with the Varsinentals, but to use EU parts on the Varsity was too expensive. I think there were tariffs on bike parts that were not appied to finished bicycles. Somehow the "Schwinn Approved got around that, or do I have my eras mixed up?