I think Mark got his answer a long time ago. I am always amazed how these threads get derailed. From should I buy an Atlantis, to bear spray to Riv bashing

But since we are on the topic of Rivendel...why hate the man and the company just because they are doing what they want to do, selling what they want to sell, regardless of what's mainstream. Bekeologist, you sound like you have something personal against them. Like anything else, take what you like and leave the rest. They turned me on to wool T-Shirts and that in itself, I am grateful for. Are the bikes good enough to wait 4 months for? Apparently they are because people are waiting. Is a Bilenky, Davidson, Singer worth waiting 6-12 months for?? Same answer. I don't like everything they sell so I don't buy it. Personally l like their oversized saddle bags but... think it's crazy they don't make them with modern fabrics and plastic buckles. Sometimes hey are retro for the sake of being retro...but I digress.

People say you are just paying for a name but you are paying for the name because the name developed a reputation as being high quality (or low quality). What do you think of when you hear Davidson, Bob Jackson, Independent Fab versus Murray or Huffy. Name=High Quality=more $$$. Fortunately companies like SOMA and Surly break the equation but it's not common.

I didn't find the article on the Panasonic all that offensive and learned something from it. He probably should have obtained permission before printing the letters. Personally, I hope I never get that critical about anything. If the writer, built it up and rode the bike, he probably would have loved it rather than just looking at the bike through a microscope.