Ive been studying the "Wheels of Commerce," vol. 2, by Fernand Braudle, recently. In this book. Msr. Braudle examines the roots of capitalism up through the 18th century, and essentially marks out the founding precepts of our modern day, bought-and-sold economics.
He makes the point that all markets shift in accordance with changes in supply, demand, labor, resources, capital, transport, etc. Nothing stays the same for long.

Now that China has become the contract manufacturer for much of the world, the 'market', if that is the right word, is following suit as it always has. The consumer hasn't changed his demands and the producer makes little for his contract work after overheads are paid. The money is in the middle parts, distribution and capital investment... which is one reason we like China to make stuff.

Has this stolen the "soul" of brands? Perhaps. The brands are still there, if their namesake products are let out to others to make. In some ways this process helps us; it has made a vast wave of products available to us, at generally affordable prices.

Yet, 'market' cycles have a lifespan of boom, plateau and bust. Traditionally, it's been about 50 years. Another facet of the market driven endeavor.
But we seem to speed all time tables up, if not cut them in half, in this day and age.
If that is so, I suspect we'll soon reach the peak of the curve, if we haven't already. So you may want to actually enjoy the current "bike boom" while you can.

But fear not, there is hope. For every contract bike maker and his eager consumer segment, there is a fringe of artisan makers. Bring enough money to the right people and you can still get a craft-made bicycle should you want something with "soul."

This segment of production may actually become the next wave, as I understand things. That hasn't really changed in centuries, either.