Did Raleigh copy the Momsen Vipa?

[Christie]

I saw this new Releigh full sus on Bikerumour.com that looks like a Vipa:

Did Raleigh "Chinese copy" Momsen?

Was Momsen selling a generic design, that Raleigh now also started selling?

Is Raleigh buying them from Momsen?

Or perhaps it`s similar, but not the same thing?

 

http://www.bikerumor.com/2015/04/23/soc15-raleigh-adds-more-carbon-thru-axles-and-light-weight-rx-womens-elite-cross-bike/#more-100244

 

http://brimages.bikeboardmedia.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Raleigh-bikes-sea-otter-rx-roker-skarn-carbon-4-600x400.jpg

[Gnarly]

Very Similar but not the same, look at the rear "drop outs" (through axle). Its different to the Vipa.

[gummibear]

Carbon copies all look the same but seem to have minor changes.

[rock]

ja the first thing that I noticed was the rear pivot at the axle 'looks' different, cant say if it actually is different from a technical perspective

[GoLefty!!]

Did you think momsen designed the vipa ground up or just the articulating bits of the suspension??

[Flowta]

I fail to see how you got that

 

http://i.ytimg.com/vi/zrGaeG4pw4w/maxresdefault.jpg

 

vs

 

http://brimages.bikeboardmedia.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Raleigh-bikes-sea-otter-rx-roker-skarn-carbon-4-600x400.jpg

[Flowta]

Front Triangle - Different

Pivot link - Different

Rear pivot placement - Different

[no calves]

Carbon copies all look the same but seem to have minor changes.

If i am not mistaken, patent law states you only have to change 5% of a mould for it to become your own. Have no clue how the linkage patents work.

[Gandalf]

But will they be selling them at Makro?

[GoLefty!!]

I fail to see how you got that

 

http://i.ytimg.com/vi/zrGaeG4pw4w/maxresdefault.jpg

 

vs

 

http://brimages.bikeboardmedia.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Raleigh-bikes-sea-otter-rx-roker-skarn-carbon-4-600x400.jpg

 

I get that from the knowledge that front triangle designs are often a std component from a manufacturer and the brand owner can customise the look to make it unique for them.

Lots of companies claim to have designed the frame ground up whereas the reality is that a of them are not, they're just customising.

 

I'm not sure which path Momsen took and we'll never get a straight answer. that's doesn't change the fact that the bike will have a unique feel thanks to the articulating bits hanging off the rear and perhaps a modified layup from the factories std offering.

[Guest Travis.]

Hasn't Momsen always been a generic frame with better specs? It'll make sense to how they can keep prices so low. Reduces R&D costs drastically.

[NukeproofPeanut]

I thought half of these pop out the same factory(s).

 

Side by side in the pics they definitely look different. Just looking at how the top tube is straight vs bent is enough for me

[Eugene]

Hasn't Momsen always been a generic frame with better specs? It'll make sense to how they can keep prices so low. Reduces R&D costs drastically.

No...it was designed by Victor Momsen and Patrick Morewood from the ground up. The name VIPA comes from VIctor and PAtrick. Like most brands, a Chinese company is contracted to make them.

[Johny Bravo]

I think the Raleigh might have less failures than the Momsen.   Looks  a better design.

 

Also I think the Raleigh is better looking.

[Capricorn]

 

 

Also I think the Raleigh is better looking.

 

fully agreed: i think that momsen is hideous.

[Johny Bravo]

fully agreed: i think that momsen is hideous.

Looks bent. Like a sumo wrestler sat on it.