TOPIC:

I won't buy made in China items that have wear components in them as you can never count on any replacement parts unlike OEM Japanese items (ie gaskets/seals)

Injected wrote:

I won't buy made in China items that have wear components in them as you can never count on any replacement parts unlike OEM Japanese items (ie gaskets/seals)

Fair comment, they will never match OEM or quality brand parts but I guess you know that when you make the decision to buy "down to a price" but it's probably fair to say many of these old bikes wouldn't still be on the road without cheaper alternatives for enthusiasts on a tight budget

I avoid buying anything made in China.  It's not easy to find some things but it's usually possible.  Last year I bought a British made toaster rather than one of the many made in China, but I had to search long and hard to find one not made there and it was expensive.  Lately I've noticed canned goods coming from China....tomato sauce, smoked oysters, etc.  They are much cheaper of course, possibly due to uyghur slave labour.  Chinese made tools are much cheaper but not as accurate or reliable.  You get what you pay for if you go that route.  My Mitutoyo borehole gauge is deadly accurate and easy to use.  I have no issue with Taiwan made stuff.  They don't kidnap Canadians like China did.