I think price is the only factor that you can actually measure to see what is "better" if you go for the same type of bike. We usually pay more for things that we consider are better. Prices are "usually" set by supply and demand curves. It means, that even though the bikes are all built in east Asia, we consider those designed in Italy to be better or more desirable. Chances are they are very similar in production costs but they set their prices depending on what the supply for the product is. There may also be a marginal performance gain one way or another but I am sure most of us would choose a Dogma 65.1 think 2 over a Tarmac S-Works if it were offered for free even if the Dogma weighed 2 pounds more (which it usually does).

I really think it comes down to these tiers.

1) Custom Builders with exotic craftsmanship i.e. lugged carbon and Titanium builds. Usually $6k to $10k for a frame set

2) Euro designed (mostly Italian) big brands and more traditional Custom Builds (Seven, Moots, Serotta) $4k - $7k for Flagship frame set

3) Big brands with racing experience and their own R&D campaigns (e.g. Trek and Spesh) $3k - $4k for Flagship frame set

4) Good bikes that are sold in less numbers and outsource parts to FSA and other component manufacturers other than the big 3. $2k - $3k

5) Bang for the buck bikes that are sold in Performance and REI. No Framesets sold

6) Walmart and K Mart bikes. Complete bike costs less than a saddle for the first three tiers.

I bit redundant but you guys HAVE to trust me.. I know.