Unless you live in NYC or somewhere like that, there isn't the potential customer base to support your concept of 'local only' purchasing, and only chainstores can afford this 'try before you buy' idea you're espousing, so what you're saying is not only economically unviable, but also essentially anti-custom.

As I say on my site, part of what I'm selling is the journey of creating something unique with a fellow knowlegeable bike nut, so I actually pride myself on and base my business on what you are essentially saying is a negative. The people saying it's a positive however are my customers....and I think you'll find that's the same with other custom bike companies - regardless of where they are - if they have a strong commitment to listening to their customers, good communication channels, and letting the ideas flow.

Anyway, we're getting waaaay OT. Maybe we need a 'Why custom?' sticky?