Originally Posted by FlashUNC

While I understand the argument that "a bike is just a tool," I continually reminded by photos online and real life sights of some custom frame builders how these two wheeled machines can, in my opinion, transcend to art.

I think there's a lot to be celebrated of any artisan who creates something, like Richard Sachs or Sacha White or David Kirk. Are their frames for everyone? Certainly not.
For some, heck, maybe most, your standard off-the-rack frame and bike will be just fine by them, thank you.

But I don't see how that, or a wait time, should diminish what's clearly excellent work being done by hard-working folks to create something lasting for their clients.

Its a bit of extreme example, but in some ways you can compare it to a Jackson Pollack versus your standard still life print at Target or some such other place. Are they both art? Sure. Do they accomplish the same goal? Yeah, they give you something to look at on the wall.
Are they really even remotely the same thing? Not in this world.

Don't see why folks get their knickers in a twist about small builders doing custom work for a small set of clients who are willing to wait patiently for years for said product to arrive. They're happy with what they get, the builders' happy making something and making a living while doing it.

What's so wrong with that whole picture?