Originally Posted by
surreal
I agree that Rivs will become collectable, although I don't necessarily think it makes a lot of sense. But, the simple fact is, name recognition goes a lot further than rarity. Rivendell has had a huge presence in cycling for the past, what, ten years? And their bikes are expensive and exclusive enough to potentially retain some value.
There are many bikes that cost more and sell in far smaller numbers, but too much rarity will lead to fewer collectors actively seeking the bikes.
I completely agree about your second comment, but don't understand your take in the first. Rivendell is far from "huge" in cycling. Niche at best. If anything, the Grant Peterson philosophy is attractive to a lot of folks that would otherwise be drawn to C&V bikes anyhow for whatever reason. And a lot of the people that are into that sort of thing do not own a Rivendell, but aspire to.
I don't see how it could not make sense that Peterson's philosophy has reached (and will continue to reach) more people than have access to a Rivendell- and I think even after Rivendell passes, that philosophy will still retain a niche of the cycling segment- and as you say, that name recognition will generate interest long into the future.