webike4fun

Holy Crap Batman A fake! Yep apparently someone bootlegged a few of these and I got one CRAP

From D Mouton:
I'm sorry but I didn't build this Recherche. It appears someone else built some frames with the Recherche name after I retired in 1993. I wrote about it here: https://davesbikeblog.squarespace.com...recherche.html
The frames seem to be well made by an experienced builder but I haven't been able to find out who, I spoke Kent Radford who owned the Recherche name and had me build the frames 1985 to 1987; he seemed to think one of his ex employees had something to do with it but was not sure.
Let me know if you find out anything,
Dave


FU*K! Well now what do I do?

Bianchigirll 

You have a no name SLX frame with Campagnolo dropouts? I would take my lumps and build it and ride it. If you don't like the ride sell it but accept the loss you may endure for being honest.

DiabloScott

You do everything you were planning to do, except for re-sell it as authentic.

Catnap

the first rule of finding out you have a counterfeit bike is don't post about it online.


KIDDING!

gomango

Yes, this is what I would do.

webike4fun

The problem is all the Moulton followers can email him and check the registry. That's what I did and well, I posted out of frustration and disbelief
Well, the 600 group parted out is worth the price of the bike.

Bianchigirll 

So your saying you would try and pass it off a Moulton built frame? We are talking about the purple on in the link right? Does it ride well? Just because you suddenly discovered your actually driving a Cavalier with Cadillac name plates is no reason to scrap it. Sure the bike is not what it is branded as big deal live and learn. If you simply can't live with an imposter in the house sell it but don't be devious about it.




What I find interest interesting here is that Dave Moulton aside from building his own frames under two names, had time to build production frames for a second party. Did those frames sell for the same price as his nonproduction frames?

photogravity

You gotta be careful that's for sure. Look what happened to ozneddy with that fake 3Rensho not too long ago! It's strange that we haven't seen too much of him around here since then.

gomango

Again, why don't you just ride and enjoy this bicycle?

Give it a good home.

I can't imagine you have that much into the bicycle, especially if it languished on CL for a period of time.

Two other points:

1) Use full disclosure about what you know if you choose to sell.

2) Buying and selling used bicycles involves a great deal of acquired knowledge. It is so difficult to know everything about every brand. If you were not 100 percent certain of the bicycle's origin, you probably should have passed or offered a much lower amount.

jimmuller 

Hmmm, finding that a bike is a counterfeit is a perfect excuse to paint it. Or at least C&V permission to.

gomango

I would for sure.

That's a wonderful project waiting to happen.

Forum member Sloar is doing one for me and the preliminary results are beyond expectations.

Cool idea Jim.

Poguemahone

I do get your disbelief and disappointment, but overall it sounds like you came out quite ahead. So I'd drink a beverage of your choice and be happy.

rgver

Paraphrasing, its a nice hand built Columbus SLX frame. I would take it just as that and enjoy it. Sucks its not what you thought it was though

DiabloScott

Absolutely! Plus, the existing paint is kind of hideous.

Find a good painter, pick a more classic color, highlight the lugs, get one of those vanity decals with your name and a flag or something on it... have some fun and make that bike your own.

webike4fun

Talk to a local bike expert. Could be a Russ Denny! The build is nice but after checking the Moulton site again I should have noticed the way the filing was done on the rear stays. My mistake. I only found out about the "other" builds yesterday. Yes I'm going to keep her for a while and a better paint scheme is in order.

webike4fun

And if I sell it, full disclosure. Lot of fixie guys here would love to have it.

sailorbenjamin

Yeah, you can totally drew a fake without any guilt.

gomango

I am sure they would.

I think the bicycle could be seen as a fun blank canvas though.

Surely the forum gurus could help you properly id this if you posted detailed shots of the frame.

You might even have something cooler than a Moulton under that paint.

Just a thought.

Italuminium

Well, if it's indeed a well made frame that rides well and you got it for the price of a 600 group, just strip it of the fake decals (or add some funny ones of your own) and ride the dickens out of it.

Btw, any one else think it's funny that a fake recherché turns out to be not after research?

webike4fun

OK Here's some close-ups: Tell me what you think! And the serial number is kinda weird-doesn't fit the range of the ones done by Moulton? ANd anyone in So Cal heard of these painters? There are out of business now. Ahh we all love a mystery!

Drillium Dude 

Well, the newest detail pics certainly show a high level of fit and finish. While not a Moulton, you've still got something special there, most likely a US builder.

The BB shell is very similar to that used on my 2002 Bill Davidson.

Still a superb find IMHO.

Repaint and re-badge with your own moniker; sorted

Like this:





DD

lostarchitect 

I agree with DD, this is a good opportunity to re-paint and rebadge the thing. Make your own headbadge!

webike4fun

Coooool you guys rock! My last attempt to find it parent is to contact Russ Denny. Does he post here? All the numbers for his shop are no good but he has resurrected the Fuso label which is kinda cool. Where do I go for decals guys?

gomango

Can you get another angle for us on the brake bridge?

Most importantly the top.

Also, the bottom of the bottom bracket shell.

gomango

Why quit at Russ Denny?

Keep looking. I would.