Originally Posted by fmw
Or better yet - quality frame with Shimano gear. That would leave me out of the potential customer pool. I choose a frame more for price than anything else. I have spent as much as $900 for a frameset but don't think I would spend that much again. I don't have that bike any longer anyway. It isn't necessary. For me a frame is mostly just something to hold bicycle parts. The odd thing is that I can afford any bike I want and I love bikes. I just don't see the charm in having a Colnago or whatever decal on my downtube for $3000 or $4000 just for a frame. I already know I can make a superb bike that performs exactly the same with a $300 - $600 frame.
Perhaps it's too bad. I miss out on all the brand loyalty thing.
I think that actually may save you alot of aggravation, as well as money. I am not "expert" enough to build my own bike yet. I hope to be someday. I currently own a LeMond and when I go out to shop for a new bike I will check out the new LeMonds first, but not limit myself to them. As with my first purchase, I will take a wide look at what is out there (including Trek) before I make my choice.
Cheers,
Brian