Assuming you ride somewhere outside the borders of Antarctica, you have likely already heard about the injustice being imposed on our friend and fellow Velominatus, Dan Richter who goes around these parts as @Dan_R.
I’ve been riding Dan’s wheels for a bit over a year, and they are the best I’ve ever had. After hearing about the suit a few months back, I was proud to help him brainstorm some ways he might be able to salvage his brand or come up with a new one while admitting the court battle was out of reach.
But when the article broke in the Calgary Herald this weekend, all hell broke loose. It goes without saying the pride I feel whenever our community here at Velominati comes together for a good cause, but what went on over the last 48 hours was an unbelievable coming-together of not just us, but the Cycling community as a whole. Regardless of the final result, this past weekend made me proud to call myself a Cyclist more than ever, for we proved we not only love riding our bikes, but that we as a worldwide community have each other’s collective backs.
I had an article planned for today, one taking the piss out of ourselves and everyone else as we usually do. But it just didn’t feel right. Instead, I thought we’d post the Packfiller podcast from Bulger Media. This is my fourth time on the show, but this time Patrick (@packfiller) was able to get Dan on the call with us. It was fantastic to hear Dan still has his sense of humor and it was a pleasure share a good laugh with him.
Here’s hoping Specialized comes to their senses, observes Rule #43, and drops the suit. If not, we’ll stand in solidarity, never buying another Specialized product again. The good news is that either way, Dan will rebuild his brand and his shop will live on, stronger than ever. (Insert Shakespeare quote about names here.)
Its a long listen, but we cover the important Café Roubaix stuff early on. Enjoy. And Vive La Vie Velominatus.
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@wiscot
My guess is they spent the weekend weighing their marketing and legal options. They were likely less interested in sticking it to Specialized and more interested in properly situating their brand.
@Steampunk
And I think they did a damn fine job too. They look like good guys, sinyard looks like a bullying asshole.
Chapeau to all you guys and girls out there. Sleep well @DanR I hope we haven't given you a major headache fulfilling all those orders! I was very proud to play a very small part in beating the bully and am humbled by how it took off in the wider cycling community. Keeping my Langster though, it looks quite ok with the down tube wrapped in black film. That'll make a good conversation starter, a bit like wearing a black armband for S. My battered Fuji track pro now has a new buzz about it. Pleased they intervened but that benefits them as I (and many others) never knew they had such a named bike.
Still puzzled by the concept that anyone can trademark Roubaix, it's existed in cycling since forever and should only refer to the classic and the character surrounding it. On a similar theme I've just bought new Roubaix Lycra longs. What is heavy fleece backed Lycra called in the States and Canada then?
Damn, where have I been..... I'll be shopping at Cafe Roubaix for a wheel set for sure!
@paolo
Agreed. Its unfortunate that one of the best shops in my area is primarily a Specialized dealer and as such they're deep into the BodyGeometry Fit and all that goes with it. As a result I've purchased some Specialized gear from them since that's what they had and fit me with, but not anymore. Luckily they do also offer a number of other brands including some good ones. Full disclosure, each and every bit of Specialized branded kit I've purchased has failed in some way except for my mountain bike helmet so I wouldn't have been eager to purchase anything else from them even if this trademark debacle hadn't gone down the way that it did.
Where will they go next................
@Teocalli
Ah yes, from the Leverage Someone Else's Heritage Collection.
Late to this discussion; sorry. I am heartened to hear that ASI has some common sense, I wish I could afford a new set of Cafe Roubaix wheels. I'm also now vaguely depressed that my graveur is a converted S-works 'cross bike and that I'm too broke to dump it. (Frank, I appreciate the grandfather clause...)
I want to echo some righteous indignation, though: how the fuck is ASI or Douchelized allowed to trademark the name "Roubaix"? It's [1] a city, and [2] a race that's 117 years old. Doesn't that count as prior use?! If anything, both ASI and Douchelized (and, I'm sorry to say it, Dan_R) should be paying a licensing fee to the city and the ASO for the rights to use the name for anything associated with cycling. I don't care if we're talking about manufacturing bikes, wheels, or a retail establishment: there is a clear context to the word "Roubaix" that any cyclist worth his or her shorts knows, understands, and treasures.
Along similar lines, I also think that Hyundai should cough up some dough to the city of Santa Fe for their SUV name. And all those bastards using "Yosemite" or "Yellowstone" should be kicking something back to the parks.
Build your own damn reputation. Don't trade on the goodwill that something else's heritage lends you without earning it or at least giving something back.
@VeloVita just missed your post while I was writing mine. Fucking exactly.
This from Dan's FB:
It is official. WIN!