Making America Great Again - Starring Mr Columbia

[Floyd]

What's "the Black Phantom Fiasco"??

 

[SirMike1983]

A large part of why bicycle production moved to China is because the American consumer wanted it to do just that, at least indirectly. Consumers demanded ever-lower prices for basic bicycles, while costs of production rose in the U.S. In order to build bicycles in the U.S. again, the American consumer would need to reconcile himself to higher prices. The quality of the goods probably would be better, but it would take a great deal of convincing the consumer to accept higher prices. I have yet to see evidence this will happen in any substantial way.

 

[2jakes]

What's "the Black Phantom Fiasco"??

This is my "Black Phantom” ’95.
Hasn’t broken down and having a blast riding it regularly.

 

[nycet3]

A large part of why bicycle production moved to China is because the American consumer wanted it to do just that, at least indirectly. Consumers demanded ever-lower prices for basic bicycles, while costs of production rose in the U.S. In order to build bicycles in the U.S. again, the American consumer would need to reconcile himself to higher prices. The quality of the goods probably would be better, but it would take a great deal of convincing the consumer to accept higher prices. I have yet to see evidence this will happen in any substantial way.

I agree. And to repeat what was said earlier, it's doubtful people here would work for minimum wage.

It's such a drag that good quality massed produced bicycles can't be made here.

I've been on different forums where the question is often asked: What will happen to our hobby in the future? Will tomorrow's "classics" be limited mostly to originally expensive, high-end hand-made bikes? They sure aren't coming out of factories in USA or China.

Anyway, I liked the video. I knew the bikes weren't American. I spent a lot of time in Westfield. It's a pretty interesting place.

 

[the tinker]

The black phantom fiasco was one the last attempts by an american bicycle manufacturer to reproduce their iconic flagship bike from the 1950's. Like the Columbia and Roadmaster bikes it was not a money maker and from that standpoint was a dismal failure. This was an attempt to boost lagging sales. ....and make a profit.
For us in the hobby, we either liked them or not. I personally like the Columbia and Phantom re-issues. I think reproducing these bikes are responsible for many of us getting into this hobby. When I saw the line of Green Columbia's with that great looking springer for sale in a local store [named Sportmart] outside Chicago I almost bought it. Instead I sought out an original Schwinn like I had back in the 1950's I now own two original 50's Phantoms.
Like them or not these reproduction bikes have their own place in the history of our hobby.........and I think most of the "restored" original Phantoms and Columbia's today sport parts from these reproduction bikes. They did a good job re-making these bikes and the only folks that can spot these "re-pop" parts used to restore an original are the eagle-eyed members here.
I will not bash any of these China made bikes. Maybe after some "young-in" buys and starts riding his China retro they will later opt for the real deal and join us here on the Cabe.

P.S. Last year I bought a green Columbia re-issue with that springer for myself.
This winter I plan on placing New Departure hubs in some new old stock rims;[ I like New Departure] changing out the headlight for that cool looking rocket one Columbia used and installing the braced Columbia handlebars that I purchased from Memory Lane a few years ago. That's what this hobby should be about....having fun.

 

[Floyd]

I do wonder now that the American consumer has had a good solid 20 year affair with low quality China garbage, if maybe the climate is right for things like these to be made here again. Seriously after watching that video I was ready to plunk down a good amount on one of those cruisers

 

[rustjunkie]

Does the "everything made in China is garbage" claim really hold true? I'd guess that some of the planet's most modern engineering and manufacturing facilities are there.
It seems more a matter of "build to suit" to me: if the buyer wants a higher quality/fit/finish/precision, they'll make it, more $. If the buyer is more concerned with a low price instead of quality, they'll do that too.

 

[Dale Alan]

Does the "everything made in China is garbage" claim really hold true? I'd guess that the planet's most modern engineering and manufacturing facilities are there.
It seems more a matter of "build to suit" to me: if the buyer wants a higher quality/fit/finish/precision, they'll make it, more $. If the buyer is more concerned with a low price instead of quality, they'll do that too.

You nailed it Scott.

 

[Floyd]

Well it's true..... you get what you pay for. China can and does produce good things., but they ship us second rate crap

 

[rustjunkie]

Here's an interesting write up I read recently:

http://www.bicycle.net/2010/where-is-your-bike-made

and another:

http://aushiker.com/where-was-my-bicycle-made/