Originally Posted by MRT2

It means that except for a handful of statement products, there is very little difference between major, or even "third or fourth tier" brands at a given price point. IMO, there is a big drop off down to big box, department store, and sporting goods bikes, but that is another story.

All the major brands, and most of the boutique brands make all or most of their bikes in China or Taiwan, and source components from the same firms. Though it may make you feel good to go with Specialized over Fuji, or Raleigh, or Jamis, if the level of quality at each price point is really close, if not identical.