Monthly Archives: December 2013

Local David vs. Global Goliath … Conclusion

Posted on by
Reply

Thanks goodness sanity has prevailed … from https://www.facebook.com/CafeRoubaix 

Dec. 12, 2013

I hope this is the last we can comment on the whole ordeal, but I am more than happy with how it has been resolved. Mike was genuine. There are no issues between our companies anymore.

We are going through all of our online and phone orders, doing the best we can to process everybody’s generosity, love, and support. Obviously, we have benefited greatly from the attention and we are very grateful for your support! Over the next few days and weeks, I want to go back to my regular Facebook & Twitter traffic of sharing great photos from other people’s and companies’ posts, talking cycling, and maybe a little bit of goofy fun too. Yes, we will occasionally show you what we are up to and what’s new in the Foundry of Awesome – Café Roubaix Bicycle Studio!

Dec.11 , 2013

Everybody,

Mike Sinyard of Specialized came up for breakfast and to talk and apologize in person. Mike was truly sorry for the way things worked out, and wanted to resolve the issue face to face. All has been resolved.

Thank you to the cycling world for your support! 
Cheers,
Dan

Local David vs. Global Goliath

Posted on by
Reply

File:071A.David Slays Goliath.jpg

Dan Richter, owner of tiny Cafe Roubaix Bicycle Studio in Cochrane, AB and Canadian veteran of the Afghanistan war who operates a tiny bicycle shop in Cochrane is being threatened with a lawsuit by Specialized for the use of name Roubaix which they hold under Canadian trademark law (who knew!).

Read more here:

http://blogs.calgaryherald.com/2013/12/09/cochrane-bike-shop-owner-may-have-won-his-case-against-specialized-over-use-of-word-roubaix/

http://blogs.calgaryherald.com/2013/12/07/war-veteran-forced-to-change-bike-shops-name-after-threat-from-u-s-bike-giant-specialized/

Ugh … Talk about overkill. Is anyone actually going to confuse Cafe Roubaix with the Speciallized branded anything? All Specialized had to do was to offer to license use of the name Roubaix to Dan for a $1 if they wanted to make a point. I’m a proud owner of ’93 Stumpjumper but I am going to think twice now about ever buying a Specialized product again.