But Shimano doesn't make clothing? What kind of markey domination is that? Wusses...
The situation is different in Europe, but not hugely. What gets me is that Campagnolo groupset, when bought from an online retailer like probikekit, for example, are typically cheaper than Shimano groups. So Shimans OEM discounts must be spectacular.
I asked an LBS about a Campagnolo cross bike and they wondering why I might do that. In my case, it's because I hate STI.