Just back from a lunch road ride, and on the way I back I decided to stop by and see Marcel Calborn, who owns BiciSport in Laguna Hills. Most of you probably already know who he is—he was a stop on our dealer tour and is famous in retail circles for selling Colnago. He also used to race for Colnago.
Anyway, cutting to the chase, he said business is good, both in repairs and sales. In fact, ever since Veltec ended its North American distribution agreement with Colnago, Calborn has reaped the rewards—with Veltec blowing out Colnago inventory. Frames that were more than $5,000 are now selling at his shop for around $3,500. What used to only be a dream for his loyal customer base is now a reality.
I told him I just got from the Handmade Show and saw guys like Richard Sachs. Marcel just grinned. "I taught him everything he knows," Marcel said.
He then gave my road bike a much needed quick tune up. "Now at least it hits every gear," he said, grinning again. I was going to drop it off after work and he said. "Wait two weeks, I'm really backed up right now."
Recession...what recession?
