Originally Posted by
MKahrl
Rivendell customs are made in the U.S. Most of their production is done by small manufacturers in Japan and they have not been inexpensive for a long time now. I don't know if there are less expensive lugged steel bikes being built anywhere in the world anymore. Some models like the A.Homer Hilsen have production split between Japan and the U.S. at Waterford.
Just to clarify this comment:
1. Waterfords and Gunnars are all MADE IN THE USA.
2. Rivendell: a. Custom bikes are made in the US, while b., the other Rivendells are made overseas, or a combination of overseas and local.
FWIW, there are plenty of lesser known US builders who can build a beautiful lugged bike for less than what Rivendell charges for their imports. But honestly, with today's air-hardening steels there really is no point to lugs except for their beauty. If US made high quality steel is all people are after then there are plenty of very inexpensive options.