Opinions of Pompino for polo

I disagree - if that's what they do, they have to stand by it.

Ultimately, it's fair game for people who have tools and know how to use them, or people who don't mind paying a mechanic to install stuff. It's less good for people who buy incompatible or unsuitable things because it's '57% off RRP'.

How are they to blame for customers stupidity.

As stated they are not the only people to do it, so singling them out seems a tad harsh.

Who gives a fuck - POLO!

They regularly sell stuff below a retailer's cost price. They obviously use different import channels to retailers.

As I said, I use them myself, and would certainly use them more if I didn't work in a shop. The savings are massive. I'm defending my claim they're priceshaggers.

This thread has wandered off-topic. My fault!

I don't think there's anything else on the market with as-tight a wheelbase and canti-mounts for anywhere near the price of a Pompino. If that's what you're looking for in a polo bike (it is what I am), you should get one.

I really want a Joust, but can't justify the expense. Just need On-One to make a copycat version and flog them for £150...

I'm guessing Brant Richards would be interested in designing/manufacturing a polo-specific frame or 50... anyone contacted him?

we already have the Pompino, what is the need?

He should follow on from the Pompetamine and call it the Pompolo.
Could charge £10 more for that shit you know...

I think they have a too relaxed head-tube angle for polo IMO .

Right, there are a couple of different issues here, I'll keep its short or I'll end up ranting for weeks, this is by far not a comprehensive list of all things that go on there.

OO branded products are cheap because they made cheaply. The early Inbred (26 & 29) had notoriously thin paint because suppliers original prices wouldn't be met, this led to rust marks under the gussets straight out of the box & the 853 frames rusted through at the seat stay wishbone. They also go through minimal revisions, known errors or problems are addressed when its economical to do so, not every year or even ever repeat order like many other companies. Its also economies of scale, smaller companies cannot afford to order the volume that OO can and hence get a higher supply price.

A chunk of none OO branded products are grey imports from the EU, this was most evident when a shipment of brakes turned up and were all the wrong (EU) way round. Actually this was most evident when I gave the go-ahead to order them. Some are even used products, case in point: the RS SID world cup forks that came with cut carbon steerers, crown races fitted and in non standard colours. Interestingly a number of suppliers and distributors will not service or warranty any grey imports.

OO saves money in the general company by missing out the middle man in shops and using Netto style "stock them high / sell them cheap" policies. They also save money by making everyone self employed which means no sick / holiday pay, no tax / national insurance no workers rights and in my case no pay for the last 2 weeks I worked there because "I didn't do anything" despite many customer emails & packed boxes to the contrary. While I worked there, we didn't even have enough desks let alone enough computers (I was told to bring my own from home). They also treat their staff like poop knowing that there will be another eager but naive person who'll jump at the opportunity to work in the bike industry.

What annoys me most (other than not being paid) is that people bum them to high heaven but any other company with similar business and working practices (Tesco comes to mind) is shouted down.

I doubt Brant / Shedfire / Ragley / CRC are concerned with sales of 50 units, they have much bigger projects to be dealing with, OO used to order double that quantity per size each time.

I could however recreate a pomp perfectly, with added polo tweaks, if anyone wants more info PM me.

Didn't read any of that. Two line attention span. "Pompolo" is an excellent name though.

The early Inbred (26 & 29) had notoriously thin paint because suppliers original prices wouldn't be met, this led to rust marks under the gussets straight out of the box & the 853 frames rusted through at the seat stay wishbone.

Word.

I had one of the first 30 (afaik) production Inbreds, Brant had 10 in each size he did then, it was 853.
It rusted exactly where you said, I thought maybe I'd caused it off-road, so I got it powdercoated and moved somewhere dry, it never happened again.

Didn't read any of that. Two line attention span. "Pompolo"* is an excellent name though.

• © - Void
  

stuff

wow, bad ethics, that's interesting. How long ago and is this likely to have changed since they've made money?

I could however recreate a pomp perfectly, with added polo tweaks, if anyone wants more info PM me.

How much?

Zouo - get a bigger screen it stretches the text out to two lines if you get one big enough

Void - I guess the respray cost you £30+ or about an extra 5-10£ on the frame from the supplier. Its a case of save a little now and pay more later but often people don't see that or do but accept it.

Wicksie - Yes, very bad ethics and I didn't even scratch the surface in the post. I wouldn't even like to speculate what happened with a US frame builder whos biggest customer suddenly decided to move production to china... anyway, I've spoken to a few people since I left and its stayed pretty much the same though some working conditions have been improved since the move from Doncaster to Rotherham. As for the grey imports, its a good money maker, I cant see that changing.

That job cost me +/-£100 in '01, but it was a bike specific place in London(cannot remember where but way, way out East) rather than the car places I've used here in B'ham that do cost £30 for F&F.
Was a great job though.

Although I know not of his role in OO BitD, I believe Brant Richards is working on a Highpath/Cleland-style offroad frame project currently - I wouldn't expect those to be ordered in great numbers and illustrates something of an open mind perhaps - hence I figured he'd be the kind of guy/operation that could be interested in a polo-specific design and manufacture project.

True, he has produced a few odd / less marketable designs but I think they may be for his own cycling passions, I can't think of anywhere in Tod flat enough to play polo otherwise I'd suggest trying to convert him.

this went well.. if you thinking about making the Pompolo ©* it would be wise to have both braking options and designing for 26" wheels as well as having exceptionally long track ends for people to have a bigger range between their court/road gears.

just my two cents

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I Already had those in mind but there are enough frames out there that are 99% perfect, do we need another one?

Yes, obviously...

Because I will get royalties on the name.

/derp

not if i did them

Podgepino.

Polodge ©

polodge sounds like a brothel

sounds like a racist goldilocks joke

Just got a Pomp as a polo bike an I must say it's pretty decent. Love the compact design and + layback seatpost gives a lighter front end + plenty of grip/weight close to the rear axle... :)