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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Glad to hear this has been resolved successfully in Dan's favour - a big relief I'm sure, and great to see how Velominati and the cycling community at large have been united in wading in to Sinyard et al to explain the error of their ways. However, what's the betting that it will only be a matter of time before Specialneeds do something equally unnecessary and boneheaded again?
@Fausto
Speaking of unnecessary... trying to insult Specialized and collaterally insulting an unrelated group of people would come under the same category in my view.
Think before you post please people.
I caught this thing on the weekend and was excited by the way the community was able to use the interweb so effectively to do some good. I still reckon Richter is a better name for the wheels but love that Café Roubaix remains.
@Beers
Nah, it's in the context of bicycles (not specific to hardware, or the race ). The trademark would cover this case for sure.
The trademark itself is here: http://tess2.uspto.gov/bin/showfield?f=doc&state=4808:17612v.2.2
(IANAL, but I do talk to them sometimes about similar stuff)
This time last year: http://www.velominati.com/evanescent-riders/2012-anti-v-moment-of-the-year-bullies-are-really-just-pussies/
@napolinige This was pretty damn brilliant! When the cycling community unites to care for its own, all of us benefit. Frank's podcast comments were fair, passionate and articulate. There's plenty of room in the sandbox for all of us to play.
@sthilzy
Are you suggesting Shitialized for the Anti-V moment of the year? Good call if so!!!
@Buck Rogers
I can't think of anything that comes even close. Pharmy confessed but that was mealy-mouthed and to Oprah of all people. Wiggo in the Giro was pretty lame. Spesh for their only win of the year!
I am still amazed that people are already forgiving the big S. Honestly how long have they been playing this game? It seams they threaten someone with a lawsuit every year. Yeah this time it blew up in their face, but honestly they are a piss poor addition to the cycling community in my opinion. Had this not gone viral they wouldn't have backed off. Mr Dan would still be facing a name change and increased cost to his shop, and Specialized would be sitting pretty not giving a shit what happened to him or his family. I have felt for a long time that Specialized has no soul as a company.
@Buck Rogers
I second the movement for The Anti-V moment of the year.