tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post1299607145786396931..comments2024-03-18T10:19:55.782-04:00Comments on The Velo ORANGE Blog: Taiwan UpdateVelo Orangehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02835615331417822722noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-75200791605553040102008-03-28T19:42:00.000-04:002008-03-28T19:42:00.000-04:00Chris K, I'd like to apologize for any confusion r...Chris K, I'd like to apologize for any confusion regarding our identities. I thought it was pretty clear there was more than one Chris out there in the big wide world ;-) I changed my login to be crystal clear. Thanks for the open comments forum. I'm sorry to see that particular thread drift away from civility, especially considering the exciting products you're working on.ChrisCullumhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08645176987387516756noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-52956534074725149122008-03-26T08:55:00.000-04:002008-03-26T08:55:00.000-04:00I don't know of any high quality Taiwanese 94/58 c...I don't know of any high quality Taiwanese 94/58 cranks currently in production.Velo Orangehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02835615331417822722noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-88565109944093467142008-03-25T17:01:00.000-04:002008-03-25T17:01:00.000-04:00Chris K,Are there any Taiwanese 94/58 cranks curre...Chris K,<BR/>Are there any Taiwanese 94/58 cranks currently in production? I'd love an affordable set or three (or five). Chasing down Suntour Microdrives and vintage XTR's on eBay is getting way too expensive. <BR/>Kudos on all the amazing new projects and ideas.<BR/>nvAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-2761816116115067432008-03-25T07:24:00.000-04:002008-03-25T07:24:00.000-04:00Just to be clear, the commentator "Chris" is not C...Just to be clear, the commentator "Chris" is not Chris Kulczycki. I like Brooks saddles and we sell a lot of them. But they are expensive and it does seem as if quality is a bit below what it was 20 years ago. Still they are great saddles.<BR/><BR/>And, let keep things civil.Velo Orangehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02835615331417822722noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-53486900345316807032008-03-24T23:39:00.000-04:002008-03-24T23:39:00.000-04:00No kidding Sherlock, but hanging yer flummox off o...No kidding Sherlock, but hanging yer flummox off of a diving board ain't exactly the answer either. Your pitch is dishonest. A better approach would have been to just introduce your coveted (high profit) saddles into the lineup and dicontinued the Brooks after you gained satisfactory sales. You shouldn't demonize other products to promote your own agenda. Jesus, you make me want to go out and buy a Brooks on principal alone.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-76040179977222003112008-03-24T13:51:00.000-04:002008-03-24T13:51:00.000-04:00Anon, a longer top tube doesn't move the seat furt...Anon, a longer top tube doesn't move the seat further back relative to the BB. Weird is noticing how far back another rider's saddle is and feeling "uncomfortable" about it. It's a fact these chrome rails are prone to breakage and not only when subjected to the extreme use you mention. I like Brooks saddles, I ride Brooks saddles, they are not perfect.ChrisCullumhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08645176987387516756noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-47626945063185551042008-03-23T15:52:00.000-04:002008-03-23T15:52:00.000-04:00You don't want to push the saddle back too far. It...You don't want to push the saddle back too far. It looks really weird and it has a way of making the other riders around you feel uncomfortable. If you still feel the need to push your saddle that far back, consider getting a frame with a longer top tube! But more importantly: I don't care how much hardened steel you pack into a seat rail, if you're a 220lb+ guy riding a bike that weighs only a ninth of that and then you strap another five to ten pounds of crap on top of that, well then I think stuff is gonna break eventually...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-19170400492073236172008-03-22T21:16:00.000-04:002008-03-22T21:16:00.000-04:00PS, I forgot to mention, that Brooks "rain cover" ...PS, I forgot to mention, that Brooks "rain cover" is a joke. It is, by far, the worst bicycle related product I have purchased in recent years. It's not remotely waterproof (it actively absorbs water), it self destructed (fabric worn thru, seam failed) in less than 1000km, and it has the (as Chris K pointed out) giant "steal this BROOKS saddle" logo on it. I used a shower cap under it to give some water protection. What is this thing masquerading as "rain cover"? A "saddle cozy", a "dust cover", a POS?<BR/><BR/>*rant over*<BR/><BR/>If you're looking for a saddle cover and you didn't get the gist of this post, avoid the Brooks one (Chris K, I think you should discontinue this item as it is useless and Brooks should be ashamed of it). I hear the Aardvark VO sells is OK. I'm going to give that one a try myself.ChrisCullumhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08645176987387516756noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-83944156738553923412008-03-22T21:00:00.000-04:002008-03-22T21:00:00.000-04:00In regards to previous comments about the leather ...In regards to previous comments about the leather saddles, for those that are not aware Brooks saddles have had some serious issues in recent years. <BR/><BR/>1. The chrome rails are prone to breaking (effectively leaving you stranded if on a tour or long ride). Design has not appeared to have been changed to address.<BR/>2. The rails are very short which makes it difficult to get the saddle back far enough on many frames. Design has not appeared to have been changed to address.<BR/>3. The leather selection is not as durable as in the past. BQ's recent product test of the Pro Ti saw the saddle worn out in <3000km. Not good for a ~$300 saddle. This was not an isolated failure. I have had issues with recent models as well.<BR/><BR/>In general Brooks does not seem to be making improvements to deal with these issues. They seem more concerned with producing "limited edition" $800 saddles and such. It's a shame because they have a great history and their saddles used to last a very long time. I guess that's not good for volume turnover.<BR/><BR/>Anyway, if another company can produce leather saddles that are durable and address some of these issues that would be fantastic. This may even force Brooks to look at some of their current failings. Do note that is very difficult to produce these type of saddles. Brooks has been doing it for almost a 100yrs and they still have issues. I think the quality of the leather is paramount. It should be broken in at 3000km, not thrown out. I'm not sure the fabric laminated to the back of the leather is the best approach. Selle Anatomica uses this method and I have heard they have serious durability problems too. I think it's better to go with thick, firm leather. That's what's been proven best in the past. Don't be afraid to go to hard. I think part of Brooks problem is that they want the saddle to be relatively comfortable out of the box and not have to endure a "character building" break in period.<BR/><BR/>All this said, I have to admit that the finishing of the prototype looks a little underwhelming. Hopefully the final product will be a lot more refined. Keep us posted.ChrisCullumhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08645176987387516756noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-19236272220044445842008-03-22T16:23:00.000-04:002008-03-22T16:23:00.000-04:00In all honesty, I don't care how cheap the new sad...In all honesty, I don't care how cheap the new saddles are. I'll take one because it's what I can afford. My job was shipped overseas and my new job pays half as much. So if it's half as much as the Brooks, sign me up. By the way, Chris, can't you try to get us some complete Taiwanese VO bikes for under a grand by now?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-837614448448046192008-03-22T14:27:00.000-04:002008-03-22T14:27:00.000-04:00Dunno, those saddles just look like cheap copies o...Dunno, those saddles just look like cheap copies of the Brooks. They don't look right...but hey, go for it folks! Maybe you could rivet a tag similar to the Brooks with lettering that was kinda close...well, nevermind. The factory could save us even more money by soaking an even cheaper leather with more chemicals and dye. But all that kind of talk is ridiculous, isn't it? We all know that a good Brooks saddle costs no more than a good pair of shoes or boots and it's just as useful as the other two.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-47620032680021962372008-03-22T01:56:00.000-04:002008-03-22T01:56:00.000-04:00For those wanting to run 46/28 or similiar gearing...For those wanting to run 46/28 or similiar gearing, try White Industries: <BR/><BR/>http://www.whiteind.com/cranks/roadcranks.html<BR/><BR/>Aesthetics are up to you, but functionally there's little to complain about other than it being a proprietary system.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-71451197296092594062008-03-20T02:27:00.000-04:002008-03-20T02:27:00.000-04:00The Taiwanese saddle's leather seems a bit wavy, e...The Taiwanese saddle's leather seems a bit wavy, esp. on the right side and it just looks soft compared to a Brooks saddles clean cut and hard lines. Did they use softer thicker leather? The apparent thickness and softness reminds me of old Swiss army lepper saddles. Were the rivets well centered in the holes? <BR/>Perhaps this company can come up with some less silly handebar grips.Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03996689575248828818noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-61873638834900018152008-03-20T00:28:00.000-04:002008-03-20T00:28:00.000-04:00The new saddles seem to have longer rails, use an ...The new saddles seem to have longer rails, use an Allen wrench for adjustment, have nicer welding on the carriage, have a laminated anti-stretch panel underneath, all the models have bag loops, and they use what appears to be thicker leather (didn't bring my calipers). I'll have a bunch of samples to test soon.Velo Orangehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02835615331417822722noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-84292357680122070382008-03-19T22:43:00.000-04:002008-03-19T22:43:00.000-04:00When you say that these saddles are better than Br...When you say that these saddles are better than Brooks, are you sure you don't just mean "cheaper?" Although I don't follow it closely, I don't know of any quality issues with current Brooks saddles that would require improvement.<BR/><BR/>It seems like the only way the Taiwanese could "improve" on a Brooks saddle is to make it cheaper.Joshuahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18165597802325623853noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-692201609706724392008-03-19T18:17:00.000-04:002008-03-19T18:17:00.000-04:00Drug dealers never divulge their sources......Drug dealers never divulge their sources......Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-728448625534649092008-03-19T17:06:00.000-04:002008-03-19T17:06:00.000-04:00So this mystery taiwanese crank manufacturer, is i...So this mystery taiwanese crank manufacturer, is it a company that makes outsourced cranks for more familiar companies? I'm really interested now that you won't tell us. It's not sun race, is it Je Ann? I've been looking up taiwansese companies trying to figure it out. Perhaps you could tell us what they make for another company.Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03996689575248828818noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-52525385640712376332008-03-19T14:05:00.000-04:002008-03-19T14:05:00.000-04:00I notice that the black Ideal bike is sporting lau...I notice that the black Ideal bike is sporting lauterwasser handlebars, ala' this old <A HREF="http://www.theracingbicycle.com/James.html" REL="nofollow">James </A>.<BR/><BR/>That's <I>really</I> retro.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-23629898987934203642008-03-19T10:00:00.000-04:002008-03-19T10:00:00.000-04:00Ideal is just another new brand from Taiwan. Some ...Ideal is just another new brand from Taiwan. Some Taiwanese companies are starting to move beyond the typical racing and MTB stuff and into neat Euro-retro design. This is just one example. Their bikes look great in the photos, but only "nice" in person.Velo Orangehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02835615331417822722noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-44276812261664056872008-03-19T09:58:00.000-04:002008-03-19T09:58:00.000-04:00Here is another huzzah for a TA Pro copy (and sele...Here is another huzzah for a TA Pro copy (and selection of spare rings) instead of a Herse copy crank. Why not expand the supply of parts built to a proven standard already in use and currently undersupplied?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-69493743879391118412008-03-19T09:52:00.000-04:002008-03-19T09:52:00.000-04:00What's the story on the "Ideal" bikes in the photo...What's the story on the "Ideal" bikes in the photo??Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-36575967811886026992008-03-19T08:22:00.000-04:002008-03-19T08:22:00.000-04:00I'll see about 33t rings; I like them too.Regardin...I'll see about 33t rings; I like them too.<BR/><BR/>Regarding the headsets, I think we need a top quality polished silver cartridge bearing headset at a non-stupid price, a headset that lasts as long as the frame.<BR/><BR/>Regarding the saddles. They look simply terrific, but I have not yet ridden one. They are the result of a three-year effort by the president of a company that makes leather furniture and who is also an avid cyclist.<BR/><BR/>The pedal is sneaker friendly!<BR/><BR/>The city bikes have diamond and mixte frames and will be available in 6 sizes.<BR/><BR/>Regarding the Herse cranks, They will be made by a very small company that few outside of the industry have heard of. And if you're in the industry, I'm sure as heck not telling ;<) There are arguments to be made for having a Herse-type bcd, TA-type 50bcd, or even replaceable spiders. <BR/><BR/>I did ask Sugino about making PX cranks, but the molds are long gone.Velo Orangehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02835615331417822722noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-45698526534578452572008-03-19T04:19:00.000-04:002008-03-19T04:19:00.000-04:00felkerino- your question abt price increases is co...felkerino- your question abt price increases is correct. It's not a matter of if, but by how much prices will go up. Then there's the question of just getting the raw materials. <BR/>and, it needs to be shipped on container ships which require fuel which is also very volatile pricewise. This is not just for bike parts- all consumer products will be subject to these increases.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-11396664006302289962008-03-19T00:24:00.000-04:002008-03-19T00:24:00.000-04:00I don't suppose you could tell us who might make t...I don't suppose you could tell us who might make the Herse cranks and rings?Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02226079173152049932noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-76851271428487639852008-03-18T16:07:00.000-04:002008-03-18T16:07:00.000-04:00Wow, great trip...look forward to seeing these pro...Wow, great trip...look forward to seeing these products at the VO store!<BR/>JackAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com