I've owned businesses before and I know what it takes. Grant scrapes by and he does a very nice job and his bikes will be charished for a long time after he's dead and gone.

Some of Rivendells are made by Panasonic? That's good since they were one of the first to use high technology production lines. Japanese bikes were ALWAYS as good or better than American made bikes.

Bridgestone RB-1's and even MB-2's still sell for what they did new - now, all beat up. These bikes WERE NOT that good but everyone loves them because Grant convinced them they were fine. And it isn't as if they aren't GOOD bikes, but they certainly never reached the quality levels of Rivendell.

You don't like his campy style of business. I can understand that but a large number of people find it interesting and I have to say that I do as well. Mind you, I do not go for a lot of his beliefs such as "lycra bad, scratchy wool good" but what the heck. Lots of people prefer wool because it doesn't stink when you have to wear it again the second or third day. Can't do that with most man made fabrics unless you are trying to keep people at a distance.

The higher end Rivendells are made in the USA and in some cases by the premier American maker - Waterford.

Grant indeed does buy some strange parts and makes them available to people. And I happen to like MOST of the parts he specs. I've mounted bar end shifters on several of my non-cross bikes because they're a whole lot cheaper, lighters and no harder to use than brifters and I have the friction shifting option which I've actually used on one occassion when I bent a ring. The Sakae cranks and the like actually have useable ratios. His derailleur selections are practical without being pricey.

You're certainly entitled to your opinions though.