Michael:
In rebuttal, I'd like to point out how much the Rivendell model line-up has
evolved over the years. When I bought my Atlantis in '03, there was just a
handful of models (don't recall the rest) and the Atlantis was the most
heavy duty and touring oriented. In 25 years, Rivendell has gone from a
few, mostly road oriented bikes to a wide array. Now, with the emphasis on
trail riding and load carrying, the tire clearances have grown (my Atlantis
is rated at 52mm max), chainstays have gotten longer, geometry has evolved,
etc. This isn't really planned obsolescence but does expand the model line
up to appeal to a wider range of riders. I've occasionally mused on the
question "what would I want that my Atlantis doesn't do?" and have never
come up with a good answer. OTH, I was sorely tempted when I test rode the
current long wheel base version of the current iteration. We sometimes
miss that even long playing models like the Atlantis have subtly evolved
over the years.
Just don't expect to see disc brakes or thru eyelets on forks. :)
dougP
On Tuesday, July 21, 2020 at 10:38:11 AM UTC-7, Michael Hechmer wrote:
>
> There is a major flaw in the RBW Business Model. They forgot to include
> planned obselence. Really, how can you expect to grow a business when your
> products not only don't wear out they don't even loose their sex appeal?
> Certainly Trek didn't make that mistake and see how they have grown since
> 1983 when I bought a 620.
>
> Take my Saluki for example. Serial # SA 00011. I am more in love with it
> today than when I first got it. Why would I want to buy a new bike?
> Bicycle Quarterly comes in and I look at the reviews of all the hot new
> bikes and quickly realize I wouldn't trade em straight up for my Saluki.
>
> OK, it now has a lot of touch up paint and I would probably get it powder
> coated if I could get my hands on some original decals, but the ride is
> just as joyful, no even better than new, and she still looks pretty good to
> me. Instead of buying a new bike I can spend my money on fancy brakes,
> levers, tires from Compass, and TA Rings ("Well honey the rings were worn
> out and that's just what new rings cost.")
>
> So Rivendell, instead of pushing a needed replacement or a new improved
> model, is stuck with the job of convincing people that they need more
> bikes. Then you have to listen to your spouse - how you gonna pay for it,
> where you gonna store it, how many bikes can you ride? It never ends.
>
> Unfortunately for Rivendell, my wife is still in love with her Betty Foy,
> so no bike sale this year.
>
> Michael
>
>
>
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