His establishment was the first one to import Specialized MTB in France.
He had deals with many brands and was buying frames from Peugeot at one time then adding Miche / Deda / ITM / Shimano components he used to negotiate separately in very large quantitities.
The death of his shop / system was of course globalisation, which ultimately undercut his margins. Death by internet if you will.
Interesting stuff for a not so interesting bike which will hit the classified shortly...
Put together this 1990 "Pyrenea Sport" in Vitus SM tubing yesterday.
I like reading / researching those old french brands - this one was a brand belonging to ETS José Alvarez (based in Auch, near Toulouse, south east France) who used to be a key player in importing / selling big brands & mass selling complete bikes.
His establishment was the first one to import Specialized MTB in France.
He had deals with many brands and was buying frames from Peugeot at one time then adding Miche / Deda / ITM / Shimano components he used to negotiate separately in very large quantitities.
The death of his shop / system was of course globalisation, which ultimately undercut his margins. Death by internet if you will.
Interesting stuff for a not so interesting bike which will hit the classified shortly...
Below is a link that I am sure @Philbythesea and @gaston will enjoy reading
https://www.ladepeche.fr/article/2014/06/12/1898557-jose-alvarez-un-geant-du-velo-s-en-est-alle.html
4 Attachments