I also have a palisades and a team Marin that share the same first letter and 4 numbers! That pretty much debunks the idea of a model number in the early one letter and 9 digit codes. There are also examples if you work you way through the thread of just about every number in every position!
I agree about frames being badged up differently and why not if they are basically the same frame. BUT, there are clear examples of low and high end frames, constructed from differing materials, sharing supposed "model identifying" numbers.
This along with a reported statement from Marin saying that it's the factory and the year only, pretty much ends this for the early one letter then 9 number frames numbers as far as I'm concerned.
If anybody wants to do the same comparison for the post 91 to 98 codes, I'm sure lots of people will sleep better, sure in the knowledge that their £5 worth of palisades frame from 93 is what it is.!
I agree about frames being badged up differently and why not if they are basically the same frame. BUT, there are clear examples of low and high end frames, constructed from differing materials, sharing supposed "model identifying" numbers.
This along with a reported statement from Marin saying that it's the factory and the year only, pretty much ends this for the early one letter then 9 number frames numbers as far as I'm concerned.
If anybody wants to do the same comparison for the post 91 to 98 codes, I'm sure lots of people will sleep better, sure in the knowledge that their £5 worth of palisades frame from 93 is what it is.!