Hello guys.
I don't usually read these things, but I got an email today pointing me to this thread.
Firstly, it was good seeing Mitch again yesterday at Jamo, and plenty of other people I haven't seen for some time. I don't know everyones names (sorry) but being an old crunt compared to most of you, I leave the comps and things to our team riders usually.
Ok, the Blunt bars thing. Yes, we purchased a few sets of Blunts bars. Mainly to see what we were up against. And we put them through the same tests in our factory as we do our own bars. The results will remain private (if Blunt would like to know the results, I would be happy to tell them, but only them). The kid thats saying he's seen picture of bent Blunt bars taken by us is lying. We have taken no pictures of any Blunt bars bent or otherwise. Also, this wasn't something we did specially for Blunt bars. We have done the same tests on every make of bar out there. District, French ID, GoHard...... all of them. We don't and never will post anywhere the results. It's purely for our benifit. We want our bars to be the best quality and strongest out there. So when something new comes along, we take a look at it, simple as that.
At Mutts we have never and will never slate or diss' any other bars on the market. We have always said, and I think Mitch and even my old mate Adam Rouse will back me up here, said that there is a place in the market for all types and standards of one piece bars. I'm not a fan of the mild steel bars on ebay that cost $25, but if you've only got $25 and want a set of bars, then there the bars for you. We will continue to do what we do, and that is try to make the best quality bars and other scooter accessories we can here in Australia. But there is a place in the market for everything and every budget.
I hope this clears up the Blunt story.
Regarding our bars:
There are many many types of 4130 Chrome Moly. All have been developed for different uses. Luckily for me, I have over 35 years in toolmaking and engineering design so know which is the right type for making handlebars. And to guarantee we get exactly what we want, we buy only from Germany or the USA. Yes, it's expensive, we know that, but it's only way we can be sure we get what we order.
With stainless steel bars, we now have our 22.2mm top tube specially made for us in New Zealand (we would love to buy all our metals from Australia, but unfortunately no one does the materials we need). I'm not going to give our secrets away, but our new range of stainless bars will be stronger than any other stainless bars on the market, and because our new top tube is so strong, we will now be able to offer our Snarl bars in stainless as well.
At the end of the day, we at Mutts are manufacturers. We make stuff. And everything with Mutts on it is made by us. Thats what we do. And we'll continue to keep looking at new ideas and designs and get them out there at sensible prices. And leave it up to you if you want it or not.
Finally, there is another topic here, started by someone called BARTENDER. About "Buying Australian". The father did email me a few weeks ago, saying he thinks I should read whats been written and post something in reply. I've read it, and like I said above, there is a place for everything. Australian, Asian, European, American........ Yes, I would obviously like everyone to buy my stuff and support Australian products. And I do try to buy Australian where I can. But at the end of the day, I don't have a clue where my furnature comes from, and I'm sure all the electrical stuff in our house is from Asia? Thats the way the world is today. So again, all I can say, is our stuff (Mutts) is made here in Australia to the highest quality and standards. But it's up to you guys if you buy it or not?
Cheers
Ian
(thats if you got this far without falling asleep that is)