I've given up trying to understand Rivendell. I should be their ideal customer -- I like steel frames, slack frame angles, practical bikes. Yet they quit making their most popular frame (Rambouillet) after doubling the price over a 3-year period. Then they bring out a very capable replacement, the Bleriot, that only works with wheels and tires that you can't buy anywhere. Rivendell is obviously not trying to make much money. I probably would own a Rambouillet right now if it wasn't for their crazy marketing. I tried to buy one about 5 years ago but they had none in stock with a 6-month wait. So I bought another frame. When I was in the market again a few years later, they had quit producing them. Now, you see people selling used Rambos on eBay for more than they paid for them.