Originally Posted by
Big Fat Paulie
Don't know, just relaying what I heard from the LBS's. Even if they weren't that prestigious at least they used to be of decent quality. So a return to that, even in the big box stores would be a vast improvement.
IMO at the prices the big box stores (BBS) are willing to pay wholesale for a bike it is impossible to build a decent one. Schwinn should get out of that market entirely if they want to restore their reputation and have more than a few LBSs carry them again.
BBS grade bikes have pi-- poor components due to the components being made as cheaply as possible to meet demanded price points from the bike manufacturers in order to meet the BBS demanded prices. Much the same thing was true of British car components which is why Lucas electrics and Smiths instruments got such a poor reputation.
When Raleigh tried this pressure technique on Dunlop for bicycle tires, Dunlop told them to go pound sand and got out of the bicycle tire business entirely. Our loss but I admire Dunlop for taking the stand that they did.
Why do the British drink warm beer? Because they all have Lucas refrigerators!
__________________
Gear Hubs Owned: Rohloff disc brake, SRAM iM9 disc brake, SRAM P5 freewheel, Sachs Torpedo 3 speed freewheel, NuVinci CVT, Shimano Alfine SG S-501, Sturmey Archer S5-2 Alloy. Other: 83 Colnago Super Record, Univega Via De Oro
Visit and join the Yahoo Geared Hub Bikes group for support and links.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Geared_hub_bikes/