A “Glimpse” of things to come?…

Under the heading of model names that raise an eyebrow (and to show that it’s not just Tim I’ll poke fun at), is the new made in Taiwan, sorry, “sourced overseas” model from Ellsworth. For a company who has put a lot into the “we make it ourselves” basket, it’s uncharacteristic to go to Asia for a new product. Their website title is “Ellsworth Handcrafted Bikes.” The logo on the front page says “Ellsworth – Made in America.” I’m not going to debate on the finer points of what handcrafted means since, technically, the Asian made frames are handcrafted as well, but “Made in America” is a statement that will need revision. “Made in America” – except the Glimpse.

Now, anyone who knows me knows I do not have anything against making bike products in Taiwan. That’s where my frames are being sourced. I’m proud of my contacts in the Taiwan cycling industry. The fact that Ellsworth is making a frame in Taiwan isn’t really even that big of a deal to me. In fact, if it was called anything other than Glimpse, I probably wouldn’t have even noticed. But, the fact that the name chosen is Glimpse made me stop in my tracks. When I see the word glimpse, the first thing that comes to mind is “a glimpse of things to come.” So, is the Glimpse a glimpse of things to come? Moving production overseas? Even the dictionary’s defininition of glimpse isn’t very flattering for a full-suspension bike. Glimpse: noun; 1. a very brief, passing look, sight, or view. 2. a momentary or slight appearance. 3. a vague idea; inkling. Maybe the intention is that other riders only get to catch a glimpse of a Glimpse on the trail because it’s so darn fast. Maybe. Maybe Glimpse is a better name for a brand of women’s undergarments. Works for me. And don’t get me started on their new commuter – it’s actually too easy to make fun of.

(What’s playing: The Smothers Brothers on KPIG)