For what purpose did Optima Cycles in the Netherlands, build the Raptor?

brecumbent · 12-18-2007, 03:18 PM

The Optima Raptor is a limited edition carbon and aluminium version of the Optima Baron. It was displayed at Interbike.
I'd like to know the history of the design and why it's a limited edition (Optima are not building any more.)

M R · 12-18-2007, 03:18 PM

Well, you saw it at Interbike, that says a lot. I can't give the history of why this manufacture did this particular bike but I can generalize. Limited editions garner attention. At Interbike everyone is vying for that attention. It's possible Optima doesn't want to make this a standard model for various reasons, hence the limited model. They get attention that will generate buzz about them and they don't have to commit to full scale production of the bike. This concept is used in many industries. It's essentially a marketing tool.

EDIT: didn't notice til now... a round for everyone barkeep! You know, as well as I do, that there a quite a number of people here that have extensive knowledge and can express it well. Most answers from the many insightful people here are slight differences of opinion, or simply adding to an already good answer. I actually like seeing answers with an edge too (Mr G come to mine?) or the clever answers to silly questions. Tell you what, you get ALL the "what size should I get?" questions, you'll be enshired on YA. soon grasshopper!

McG · 12-18-2007, 03:18 PM

I can't add or disagree with what M R answered. I just woke up this morning and saw his avitar as Top Cycling Answerer. How can you disagree with the Top?

Edit: Congratulations M R, Dammit. Now share the points.

Edit2: As long as it doesn't go to your head. (loose the grasshopper, gheesh LOL)