photo by Paul Sweeney
I've supported companies using older components as precedents for their modern catalog and I still do. One thing's for certain though, I'll still prefer the originals and I'll hunt them down. Not everyone feels the same way and that's why we see so many "copy-cat" components.
Andy and Jussi share my sentiment for sure. Sometimes, it's just too cheesy. But let's face it. Modern companies are mass-producing lugged steel framesets in the carbon age. Are these bikes "cheesy" and "copy-cats" too?
Sometimes yes, but it's still offering people who can't hunt down the De Rosa frame with Campagnolo 151 Pista cranks in 165 an option. There are many riders out there who prefer the throwback stylings of the fluted cranks and would rather buy a modern crank that looks like the vintage predecessor than an Andel or similar.
Now, back to the issue at hand and the one Jussi asked "Who makes these cranks?"
This is a calling to Campy. If you're listening, please please please reissue a fluted crank! You would slay the market.
Comments
I think we should be careful what we wish for. Those Campy parts that we are all on the lookout for were expensive and complex to make back in the day (the reason why so few are out there). I can only imagine what a new line of these parts would set you back! Sure, the introduction of a new "retro" Campy line would only add to the conversation but nothing beats the feeling of finding those parts (NOS or not) that have become so elusive. Good post John!
Posted by: chris | October 27, 2009 11:00 AM
Uh, those new cranks look the tits.
Posted by: harry | October 28, 2009 1:17 PM
Origin-8 makes them!
Posted by: prolly | October 28, 2009 1:19 PM
That means they'll be cheap. AWESOME. I also love the Electra TA style crank (which is not a rip-off of TA by the way, that was a common fixing pattern for chainrings back in the day.
Posted by: harry | October 28, 2009 3:42 PM
Yes. Very familiar with the smaller BCD rings. Williams, CL, etc. I had a hell of a time tracking down Williams inch-pitch rings when I had my Higgins.
Posted by: prolly | October 28, 2009 3:45 PM
It's similar to comparing a good old vinyl record
to the downloadable mass-product MP3. There's a
huge difference between klicking a button on iTunes
or finding this special pressing in some back-alley
second-hand vinyl shop. which feeling will you
remember more emotionally?!
Posted by: chris | February 16, 2010 5:20 AM