[Z]

Here's the deal people. If a company changes one item on a front fork, whether it be a seal, longer or shorter travel, or another measurement, the original company doesn't have a leg to stand on in the legal system.



Plus, with copies entering the market, have you thought the prices on all these products may come down a touch?



I'm sorry, but $1000-$1600 for a set of forks is silly in the grand scheme of things, so if I company can sell a comparable fork for a fraction of the cost, it does nothing but help the 50 market.



competition is great, no matter how you view it.

 

[Z]

A couple of years ago, BBR was taking loads of pictures of the G-craft Twin-spar frame at another vendor booth at Indy. A short time later, they developed their own twin spar frame, based on a similar design with their own personal touches.



Numerous vendors have copied billetware frames, numerous vendors have come out with wheels similar to Hondas, numerous vendors have copied the Honda C90 cylinders and call them 88cc BBK's. Kitaco's older style 4 plate clutch is almost identical to the Honda CD90 motor available in Japan.



I know nothing about this specific case, but if a company comes out with a similar product and it's just as good and cheaper, we should be mad about this?



A direct copy is frustrating for the designer, but if there is no patent, it's open season these days, especially for companies who manufacture overseas.



BBR's disclaimer is rather entertaining if you ask me. How many times have they sued people?



I used to get worked up about this stuff, but if a similar product can be brought to market cheaper, I say go for it.



The days of brand name companies overcharging is quickly about to come to and end, and I for one say it's about time.



Let the talking heads worry about litigation and fighting, and let us worry about how to spend our money and make our own decisions. If a similar product is crap, you'll find out in short order, but if it's just as good or better, people will purchase and enjoy.



I just want parts that work and work well, and am way past spending premium dollars for bragging rights. Look at any of my bikes, and you'll be hard pressed to see who makes the parts. The only thing you'll notice is the builder has a good eye for building cool combinations.



In all honesty, I think our time is better not speaking of branding and toss away the koolaid we've been drinking, and embrace the changes coming to the marketplace, as long as the parts work as advertised.