[Sean Moran]

Nice job stepping in there Key Master:) Dave, great passion, but a little too general.

I own 2 IF’s. I have met Gary (briefly), I follow some of his posts on another bike oriented site, and I have read the IF/Timberland CNN Turnaround script. I am also a senior leader in a relatively large, successful, global company. My experience is Gary appears to be a very smart guy. It appears his intelligence, work ethic, and passion for all things “bike” have enabled him to learn the business very quickly.

Of course, Gary and the rest of the crew (let’s not forget Joe, Lloyd, Tyler, Jamie, and the rest of IF) are committed to growing the business. They should be. The bottom line is they are a for profit organization. Growth is easier espoused than accomplished though. Every for profit organization would like to grow…but not every one does.

Bottom line…in their effort to grow, IF WILL change. They HAVE to. Some folks will like them more. Some will will be indifferent. Some may get upset when their local Trek dealer begins offering IF’s.

This doesn’t mean their not great guys, it doesn’t mean they have any less passion, and it certainly doesn’t make them any less honest. It just means they are doing their best to grow. If they are successful, they will continue to be a solid company, which provides us the opportunity to purchase and ride some of their stellar bikes.

Whether that purchase is thru a “boutique shop”, and “outdoor outfitter shop”, or your local “MM Shop”….hell, it’ll still be an IF. That should be what matters.

[Sean Moran]

1st…Huffy 10 speed…traded it and a skateboard later for a GT BMX Mini frame and fork. Raced the GT until the tracks here in WI closed down.

2nd road bike wasn’t until 25 or so years later, a Seven Elium. Still have that, but it usually only gets ridden on the trainer. Outdoors is for my IF!

Andy..remember, there is nothing wrong with beer and women….just as long as you don’t seperate them.

[Sean Moran]

Congratulations John! You beat me as I had purchased a ticket for that raffle also.

By the way…your homeowners should cover your bike. My insurance agent is a good friend, and I just asked him that same question a few months ago. We have riders for some of my wife’s jewelry, but he assured me my bike would be covered. Of course, I tell you that w/o any knowledge of the specifics of your company or policy.

Anyway…congratulations and enjoy your new Crown Jewel! Great bike, made by some great people.

Sean

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