Dealing with reluctant measurers..

[bikeworkshop]

They have the info, but won't find the time to dig it out for you.
Some brands like Dawes put their past info online.
If it had commercial value, they'd find the time.

 

[grantoury]

They have the info, but won't find the time to dig it out for you.
Some brands like Dawes put their past info online.
If it had commercial value, they'd find the time.

Not sure, they took the time to answer me politely and add the size table and pointed out it was all he could provide.

 

[bikeworkshop]

I'm a marin dealer - tell me what you were after and let's see if Jon will tell me?
Although it might be in a catalogue under our counter

 

[highlandsflyer]

I inquired with Marin about a 2008 model and was surprised when they told me they only had a sizing guide to offer. Weird to find manufacturers just discarding info on their past models.

I find it bizarre that manufacturers cut off their catalogue archives. If they had a 1995 catalogue there on the server a year ago; what reason to remove it? Felt don't even have their 2012 available. They aren't encouraging anyone to buy more bikes from them by strangling support. When I had an (old) Mercedes I got reams of quality paperwork when I joined the 'register', some of it hardback brochures, and they tripped up over themselves to assist in every query. I suppose the assumed I might buy a new one. I have never had a Felt before, and they are now on my radar. Not for their after sales support though.

 

[grantoury]

I find it bizarre that manufacturers cut off their catalogue archives. If they had a 1995 catalogue there on the server a year ago; what reason to remove it? Felt don't even have their 2012 available. They aren't encouraging anyone to buy more bikes from them by strangling support. When I had an (old) Mercedes I got reams of quality paperwork when I joined the 'register', some of it hardback brochures, and they tripped up over themselves to assist in every query. I suppose the assumed I might buy a new one. I have never had a Felt before, and they are now on my radar. Not for their after sales support though.

I suspect that while Mercedes takes pride in their back catalogue, which contains classic cars, bike manufacturers thrive by selling new ones, not having a heritage of old bicycles.

 

[grantoury]

I'm a marin dealer - tell me what you were after and let's see if Jon will tell me?
Although it might be in a catalogue under our counter

I found the 2008 catalogue online eventually, and actually put some of the catalogues I found in the archive.

 

[bikeworkshop]

Next stop...
https://mmbhof.org/

 

[highlandsflyer]

I suspect that while Mercedes takes pride in their back catalogue, which contains classic cars, bike manufacturers thrive by selling new ones, not having a heritage of old bicycles.

Not giving support to older models in no way encourages new purchases. In either case. On the other hand, you can introduce brand loyalty with great customer service. I bought a series of Mercedes vans on the back of great customer service, so it works with me! Dealing with Carry Freedom trailer manufacturers in Germany has been so friendly and efficient I would happily deal with them and pay the premium. Heritage is certainly a strong selling point for bike brands. Pinarello? Look at Pashley, for example. https://www.pashley.co.uk/pages/our-heritage

 

[grantoury]

A lack of support can make an older model less attractive to buy. Not every bicycle has the heritage of a Pinarello.

 

[bikeworkshop]

There's probably a range of strategies in both the bicycle and motor world.
The market researchers have probably found it doesn't make a great difference depending on the resources you commit to it.

Look how fast Raleigh's star faded - and yet brands like Bianchi can still command respect.