The real issue is that everyone's needs for commuting are different and off the shelf bikes routinely need signifigant changes to meet the new owner's requirements. You should offer one frame style with different forks (Like Kogswell does) so the owner could choose the style of frame that best suits their riding style. Then you could offer a selection of component suites (Internal Hub, Derailer or SS/Fg: Drop or flat bars stem lenght etc.) and ship the bike as ordered. The customer has a shop do final assembly or they do themselves. This way the customer can order a complete bike without having to consult mutiple sources for the finished product.

The Surly cross check has ben so succesful on these forums because for many folks it is a blank canvas on which to work. They build it how they like/need it and that leads to satisfaction/pride, which leads to word-of-mouth style referals to other buyers. All of the bikes you posted look fine for commuting but all would require addtional upgrades to work as everyday commuters.

I think most folks who have a legitimate interest would pay more for Exactly what they want from the begining. Also you could design and sell the componet groups seperately to people who already owned one of these "custom" bikes wanted to say try FG/SS and they would buy from you knowing everything already worked for thier specific bike.

To simply offer another selection in the low-cost chinese bike arena builds no emotional attachemnet to the product you are selling. Look at Rivendell as an example. I doubt that thier $1400 frame and fork are of a substailialy better quality that the bikes you show. Yet through specific marketing, quality products and the abiltiy for the client to feel involved in the "design" process they have created a winning combo for their target market.

Oh and I ilke steel frame touring bikes w/ internal hubs, fenders, drop or moustache bars and caliper brakes. I built the bike below as I could not find one like it off the shelf.

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