This is an awesome setup for erveryone -
And you might be surprised at who in ther bike industry I credit for doing this first

30 years ago all the components on bikes came from companies like Campy, Huret, Simplex, Normandy, Weinmann, etc

Then these Japanesse guys and their boss Mr Shimano started showing up everywhere in Europe and America with cameras and note pads. They did the damest thing which no Euro company ever did: They ask customers what they wanted! And they ask cyclists what they liked! And they ask bike shops what needed improvement! They actually wanted the opinions of users of products. Which no European company really actually acted like they wanted or cared about.

I see forums as the newest and most modern way to get customer feedback and act on it quickly. True it still takes 6 months to get spec changes and get items made. But the actual ideas of consumers can be gathered very quickly - for those that care to listen.

A few months ago; I got the input of customers wanting SS with 4130 tubing, bull horns, brakes, 28c tires, fender mounts, aheadset, high flange sealed, dbl wall rims and under $300 -- by late this spring or early summer we will have it. That is very fast developement and bringing to market of a bike or anything.

I love the internet