Take a look at this rim decal on an Electra touring bicycle:
Now look at this Mavic decal from the 1960's:
.JPG)
Don't get me wrong: I prefer the graphics on many older bikes and components to their modern counterparts. (The fact that I ride four lugged Reynolds Mercians and buy stuff from Velo Orange should tell you something!) But I have to wonder about the impulse to create "genuine reproductions."
I'm not trying to slam Electra: I like a lot of what they displayed at the New Amsterdam Bike Show. In fact, if I were in the market for a touring bike and didn't have my Mercians, I might well consider buying what Electra is offering.
For another example of something that seems as if its makers are trying to out-retro every other kid on the block, take a look at this fork decal:
Compare it with these Reynolds fork decals from the 1980's:
As I said, I like much of what Electra is doing and wish them well. I just hope they don't get embroiled in some silly dispute with another company over who has the rights to copy some design that hadn't been in production for decades.
Now, for something that was decidedly not retro at the show, I offer this:
The show was sponsored by KLM and, not surprisingly, Grolsch beer was served. All attendees who were of legal drinking age were offered two glasses "on the house."
Now look at this Mavic decal from the 1960's:
.JPG)
Don't get me wrong: I prefer the graphics on many older bikes and components to their modern counterparts. (The fact that I ride four lugged Reynolds Mercians and buy stuff from Velo Orange should tell you something!) But I have to wonder about the impulse to create "genuine reproductions."
I'm not trying to slam Electra: I like a lot of what they displayed at the New Amsterdam Bike Show. In fact, if I were in the market for a touring bike and didn't have my Mercians, I might well consider buying what Electra is offering.
For another example of something that seems as if its makers are trying to out-retro every other kid on the block, take a look at this fork decal:
Compare it with these Reynolds fork decals from the 1980's:
As I said, I like much of what Electra is doing and wish them well. I just hope they don't get embroiled in some silly dispute with another company over who has the rights to copy some design that hadn't been in production for decades.
Now, for something that was decidedly not retro at the show, I offer this:
The show was sponsored by KLM and, not surprisingly, Grolsch beer was served. All attendees who were of legal drinking age were offered two glasses "on the house."
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