brocklanders023":1fl3dnu4 said:
As I said, I didn't mention the hand built ones as they just confuse the issue and have done in the past. If you can be bothered you can look back to where I have referenced them in other threads. I'd love to see one and hope your clues suggest you have one. If this is the case I look forward to you working your usual magic on it.
I am no expert, I've just held an interest since bitd and have spent too much time looking at them since finding this site. Anthony know far more then me and has corrected me many times.
I looked back to the Prestige thread and although the thought it was hand built is mentioned it is quickly quashed and thats about that from what I can see. I'm also yet to see a retro Orange with 'made in England' on it. I'd genuinely be interested to see one that does. I think it's more a case of people thinking they were bitd because they are now rather then it being thought back then. Might have been different where you live though.
I cant say I paid much attention to the badges then or now to be honest, I was thinking more of there catalogue marketing to be truthful.
It was cleverly written and its plain to see how so many misconstrued the bikes as being made in Halifax, cleverly written and using terms like "Our factory based in Halifax", Head "frame builder" and designer" etc etc, (this was as early as 91 from memory).
It does touch on Far east assembly, so it is there, but quickly makes reference to "Other" manufacturers. (using the 91 catalogue for ref in our archives)
It goes on like this throughout, talking of R+D etc, it mentions Assembly a lot too, but such a grey area it is clear why so many perhaps Just presumed. ( and you cant blame them, if you read it)
I suspect the guys selling at ground Zero didn't help matters in this regard either, my experience of sales back then, a lot of Kudos was placed on English built bicycles, conveniently adding weight to an easy sale perhaps.
Whether it was intentionally written up like this I suspect we will never "Honestly" know.
And don't think this is a slight on my part in anyway to orange, it isn't , I rate them then and now, and whilst they aren't responsible for the smaller firms building by hand, falling by the wayside, so many did feel the pinch due to cheaper far east imports. (which is a great shame, but I suppose the way of the world).
Ref the Clockwork it does come with an additional one piece bar and stem like the formula which is nice, and was designed by... yet built for Orange. (this in itself indicates the catalogue marketing for me.)
Its in a sorry state but as and when ill post a thread.
