Originally Posted by x37
Re: lugs, my understanding is that they don't just look pretty, they also have two big practical advantages: they strengthen the joints and make tube repairs easier.
On the other hand, I wonder if Rivendell would ever consider making a non-lugged budget bike similar to the SJ. A lot of people dig Rivendell's design philosphy but could never afford a $1400 bike.
sweet lugs mean the builder spent time and effort. This alone doesn't make a better bike, but I'd bank on a nice lugged bike from any reputable builder over a factory job.