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Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: NW Ohio
Posts: 3,447
Bikes: 1984 Miyata 310, 1986 Schwinn Sierra, 2011 Jamis Quest, 1980 Peugeot TH8 Tandem, 1992 Performance Parabola, 1987 Ross Mt. Hood, 1988 Schwinn LeTour, 1988 Trek 400T, 1981 Fuji S12-S LTD, 197? FW Evans
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Around the late 1980s when the Taiwanese manufacturers like Giant figured out how to program a robot to TIG weld a frame. Then they could crank out frames faster that were straight and consistent, time after time. That, plus changes in the dollar to yen ratio, meant that the Japanese lug framed bikes had a tough time competing in the market. The average consumer didn't really care what kind of joints their bike had, they just wanted the best band for their buck.