merziac

Really?

tkamd73 

@Wilwood, I agree, the Italians win!
Tim

Wildwood 

I was a little brother strapped into the wagon and rolled into the street 1/2 naked on Halloween. It was a 'joke'. Tough growing up in a tough, poor neighborhood when you are th little kid. But that was '50s, long enough ago to forget.

Wileyone 

Austin Powers is Canadian.

xiaoman1 

I draw the line at interstellar purchases, so no "Mars" for me!

Best, Ben

Shp4man

Communist China is controversial these days and also the source of most modern bicycle production. I have one modern bike, and have to say I don't particularly like the "Made in China" sticker on it very much. But such is life.

USAZorro

Sounds like Bombay Gin. I despise gin.

As for the initial question... just a little bit. Not a fan of Soviet block equipment, but my concern is more of the dubious quality than anything else, but I have never been a fan of Soviet/Russian policies either.

johnnyace 

As this thread was mentioned in my thread, I thought I'd chime in. Nationalism, no. Politics, a little bit I suppose: I'd prefer not to buy from countries that are communist (China). Cultural, yes: I like the French and French bikes.

Mostly though, I gravitate toward bikes that are C&V, my size, and made with Reynolds 531, regardless of country of origin. Decent fork rake is often a determining factor. Not as picky about components, but I really like Suntour stuff and friction shifting.

Having said this, my next bike will probably be an American-made custom (specifically Oregon) or an Alex Singer. Tentatively planning a trip to France during the Tour in 2022.

garryg

Like the Canadian bikes eh!

USAZorro

It's Trek or an Ellis. I recommend Ellis, because Dave has mad skills as a builder.

To the original question... While I admit to severe skepticism about eastern European manufacturing competence, I also admit to a personal bias towards nations that have a history of cycling prominence - be it from manufacturing or race performance, English, French and Italian bicycles get more consideration than others.

randallr

I prefer to buy from places where there are labor laws that get enforced and maybe even unions.

mitchito

The truth is , politics is in everhthin g I do except my hobbies so I like to keep it that way. I like oddball bikes, cars and motorcycles. Why have what everyone else has if you can have something else

Dylansbob 

I'll buy a bike made anywhere, but I recognize I can sell ones made in USA/Italy/Japan/France easier because of it.

Of the ~12 or so keepers in my collection, 2 are Chinese ti, a couple Taiwanese steel, a couple US, and the rest Brits.

I don't look at American made bikes as being automatically anything special as a buyer. A custom builder like Rodriguez or a small-scale builder like Romic would appeal to me where as any post '77 Trek or non-Paramount Schwinn is just another mass-produced item.

cgoroo

Good question; I noticed that once I stopped caring, I've poured more money into my collection.

Phil_gretz

^This is nearly identical to the post I had been contemplating after reading question in the original post. I guess that I'm a decade or so older, so my influences were the late 1960s to early 1970s bike boom. Japan had barely emerged in the U.S. market, but European manufacturers were going strong. This timing allowed me to see quite a few Dutch, English, French and Italian bikes. Many of my friends rode French bikes, as did I. So, I have a certain romanticism about those times as an early teen.

As to other aspects, not really. I do enjoy the Japanese bikes from the 70s and 80s, though.

Mogens

Whoa. Those are some beautiful frames...

RustyJames 

Just saw this thread and it’s interesting and great to see it remain civil.

My mid 80s Schwinn with Columbus Tenax tubing, Suntour drive train and Mavic wheels is probably the best riding bike I have. Zero nationalism on that machine.

I grew up in Hawaii and learned a VERY deep respect for Japanese culture and their attention to details makes every other country seem lazy and inattentive. I have 2 Nishikis but that is mostly by accident. I have been eyeing modern bikes (THE HORROR!!) and some of Fuji’s bikes have caught my eye but that’s because they have great components and fit my budget. I have also been eyeing a Specialized Allez and will show my profound ignorance and say that I have no idea where they come from. Taiwan?

At the end of the day, Italy does it for me and the biggest factor is culture on levels beyond cycling. I worked as a chef in fancy-ish Italian restaurants for a dozen years, my wine of adoration is Barolo, I am a diehard Ferrari fan in F1 despite their peculiarities and I have owned an Alfa Romeo and a Fiat and they are the cars I remember most fondly. Ironically I have little desire to own a modern high-end Italian bike since they are way more sport/competition focused than I am. My old Legnanos are just dandy even though old Campy derailleurs are crappy.

Finally, I love my old Raleigh 3 speed and there is no substitute for a Brooks saddle.