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The Making of a Mrazek
Hello and Happy New Year Mrazek Friends!
We wanted to take this opportunity to fill everyone in on how everything
is shaping up here. With Boh Jr. back in the Czech Republic, as well as
more and more riders around the globe discovering his amazing creations,
there are certainly plenty of changes in the air.
First among these is that we are finding it increasingly important to
schedule out our production. With more than 15 different frame designs
in our line and growing (some haven't even made it to our website yet), and
each having its own grid of sizes, we would need to maintain a 500 frame
inventory to have each model readily available. Considering our goal of remaining
a true specialty builder at a maximum of 500 frames a year, which could change
but definitely not in any hurry as we prefer gradual growth, it has become clear
to us that making frames to order is our ideal course.
More than anything, we realized we should be sure everyone understands
how we work and why a Mrazek isn't something you see at every trailhead
or on every street corner. With the bicycle industry as competitive as it is,
even small manufacturers are being driven to produce their bikes in the big
Asian factories just to stay alive and plenty of these companies still don't
make it. After taking a hard look at ourselves and doing plenty of soul searching
it was clear to us that we did not want to pursue that path and preferred to stay
with our roots. These roots are our passions for design, quality craftsmanship,
bicycles, and wonderful interaction with people.
From there, the big question was, can we survive as a small fish in this industry?
The answer, most people seem to believe, is yes, as long as we are wise, not greedy,
and maintain our integrity. There's no doubt, we won't be getting rich from this pursuit,
but that is not our aim. We do, however, wish to lead fairly normal, if not simpler than
most, lifestyles including taking care of our families. As such, Mrazeks are not cheap,
and yet when you take into account the beautifully intricate designs, their renowned
durability, the endless finish choices, and our economy of scale in the booming Czech
Republic, most would say we are still an incredible value. We are finding the majority of
riders out there agree and hope that you do, too.
Now, to how we can keep this ship sailing smoothly together. Like it says above, we
are not able to have all of our models immediately available and still maintain our
viability as a small specialty builder. For this reason we have decided to divide our
year into three primary production seasons; winter, spring, and fall. We're hoping
to be able to play a bit in the summer! We are asking that, if at all possible, everyone
make a semi-long term plan for their new Mrazek. We guarantee Boh's one-of-a-kind
rides are worth the wait and will last a lifetime.
Ideally, we would love to receive 500 specific frame orders in the fall, produce
them in the winter, and deliver in the spring. Maybe someday, but until then, please
keep our three seasons in mind and plan one cycle ahead. We'll try to have currently
popular models in stock at all times, but it may be necessary to wait until the next
production run if we happen to have run out. Also, for somewhat custom projects,
i.e. Headshox Frames, Rohloff Dropouts, XS or XL sizes, etc., it generally will take
until late in the following cycle for completion. In terms of finance, we are requesting
a minimum of a 50% deposit to get stock frames in motion and full payment once a
frame finish has been determined.
The key is in understanding the Mrazek way and hopefully all joining together to
maintain the fantastic course this project born of Bohumil Jr.'s dream has followed.
These bicycles are truly something special in this world and we are sincerely striving
to continue their legacy for generations to come. Our appreciation for everyone who
has helped us along this far is boundless.
The Very Best to You,
Bohumil Sr., Bohumil Jr., & Jeff
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