>>1334069Horses for courses. You don't have to like something because it's hideously expensive and uncommon and is made by someone who has successfully pitched his brand to people who consider $18K to be a sane amount of money to spend on a new toy. I was just bloviating about where mass-market brands like Canyon and BMC sit in the firmament, which isn't at the high-end despite what their marketing departments want you to think. Remember, I said that part of the experience of going with a luxury brand is custom. You work with the maker to get a bike that fits you perfectly, and you get the final say on color scheme, parts, and everything else, within reason. That makes the bike as much an expression of your taste as it is of your wealth. Some of them even do stuff like go on decently long rides with you so that they can be sure your fit is good.
If you see bicycles as being more like appliances, or if you want a custom frame that doesn't have Brand, there are a shitload of other makers out there. Like with Ti stuff, TiCycles in Portland will design and weld a Ti bike that's every bit as good as Baum or Passoni, if not better. Some of what they've done is bonkers. But even though they've won a bunch of NAHBS awards for their work, their brand doesn't play in the luxury market. Being acquainted with the owner, I imagine he's happy that they aren't.
