It is a reproduction, originals have no metal frame , the fibers show on an original , the give away on this bike , is the center extrusion moulding chrome looking strip plus how shiny it is . I THINK Mike Kaplan painted his bikes ,. He will write something . The metal frame was changed , inside of the Kaplan examples, I sold the photos of Mike Kaplans 1st generation metal frame, the reproductions are going up in price . Because they do not know the difference , and mostly do not care . They are bought as a visual piece , like art ,.the count of real Bowdens is not known , I am not aware of any failure of any Bowden , the company,lost there distribution, when the furniture co. Went bankrupt because of a vibrating lounge chair injured someone . My photos of originals are posted on the CABE, BEN SIGNED 13 bikes for me