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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This is only making me like Canadians (but not Canadiens) more, which is a challenge, as I feel the general mindset and energy of our cousins to the north suit me better than that of Americans. Lacrosse, hockey, cold weather...
Anyway, good luck Dan and definitely hope this has a good resolution.
Why those corporate titans care about a cycling shop above an ice cream shop in western Canada is beyond me. Weekend warriors will continue to buy their stuff, and that should be all that matters to them.
Now I wait for the video of Boonen burning his frameset in a showing of solidarity!
@RoubaixInTwoYears
Nipple lube!
Always thought the Roubaix was shite...but now I find out that shite is the "S" in S-works. Take'em down Dan!
I ordered a women's medium T this afternoon - still in stock! So even if you can't have one for yourself, treat your VMH and show your support!!
I'd love to know if the board of aware of this or it's just their law firm forfilling it's breif (poorly) and if they are aware of the damage it's doing to their brand name. If they do know, I'd like to know WTF were they thinking!
Who uses this uninspired crap anyways????? Fuck them.
Sounds like Spesh likes spending time in court. In 2011 they sued a one-woman wheel building shop in Oregon (hope Dan has contacted her). This Sinyard sound like a real Douche!
(BTW) she lost.
@The Pressure
I think it was more a case of not being able to do anything against the oversized bully, not quite losing.