Originally Posted by
njkayaker
Not every customer is going to what what you happen to be selling.
It's actually "to sell enough of something some customers want". Clearly some customers like the bikes that appeal to Grant's tastes.
Grant has the impact (not Rivendell, really).
Clearly. I'm not saying one can only be a success by selling millions of bikes. Grant sells what Grant wants to sell. That will ensure that Riv will only sell to people who like what Grant likes. You can see that as Grant's integrity to a vision or you can see that as Grant ensuring that Riv remains a niche company.
The interesting part here is that what Riv sells is at the cutting edge of hipster bike tastes right now. Fenders, steel, traditional paint, twine+leather grips, front baskets, flat pedals, wool clothing, Brooks saddles. Prime material for the Williamsburg-dwelling bearded fellow who's in a bluegrass band and enjoys Filson flannel and creating coffee tinctures. The industry has come back to Grant. He stuck to his guns, more power to him.