Originally Posted by
badger1
Agree, but we are talking about the (North) American market, presumably? We are not talking about Finland, or Copenhagen. Here, there does not appear to be a demand for such appliances. If and when there is, I've no doubt at all some mfg will pop up to fill that demand. Mr. Bill pointed out one such mfg in his area (Boston).
Actually Fortified Bicycle is in Cambridge (our fair city) MA. The reason I didn’t point out Vanmoof is the usual suspects whining that it’s somehow completely different in “Holland.” For some reason they have a hot spot in Brooklyn. But that’s somehow different too.
(BTW, the Copenhagen Wheel is also from Cambridge (our fair city) MA.)
Anyhow, some folks here really need to get out more. Even in *gasp* North America there are real people riding real bicycles who don’t pass the sneering “serious cyclist” moniker or the “serious bicycle” label.
Is there a market for five figure titanium bicycles? Oh, that’s completely different, because Seven Cycles (Watertown MA) makes “serious bicycles” for “serious cyclists.”
Originally Posted by
badger1
I assume my attitude is representative of the vast majority of NA bicycle purchasers, for good or ill, and that consequently Brinks-truck type bicycles will be a best a niche market here, at least in the foreseeable future.
Bottom line - anything that *I* want is mainstream. Anything that everyone else wants is “niche.”
Anyone who wants a “serious” commuting bike wants a used Buick.
-mr. bill