Grant is a great marketeer and self promoter, nothing wrong with that - I had a friend wait over 2 years for custom a Rivendell and he loves it. He prepaid no less and never considered cancelling his order. Recently I read an articel which I can't find at the moment that started off by saying Grant had taken a business that delivered either 1000 or 3000 bikes and has established into a 60 million dollars business. It went on to talk about the Rivendell mystic that drove the sale of cotton panniers, special lubricatants and bees wax. Overall I think Grant is good for the bike business and not just his own - he promotes touring - and his company is not really into racing. The average demographics of his customer - is a 40 plus male with more than an average income.

Are his bikes the end all - they are nice, but there is better. Will owning one make you ride more - maybe if you really proud of your steed. I personally own several nice touring bikes and none of them are Rivendells presently. Will I own one in the future, maybe because I am a a 50 something male with a better than average income who is in love with fine touring bikes.

Hey Bek - I have alway appreciated your opinions - as a fellow Seattle resident this weather is really getting me down, I think I'll have to do another bike build or I'll go crazy!! Mike