The problem is that the frame prioritizes fashion over function, which is why it uses lugged 4130 rather that TIG welded lightweight steel.

That's why I have said, and will continue to maintain, that the constant insistence that these frames are "pure track machines" or whatever nonsense is just marketing intended to fool people into believing that the Kazane is somehow better than the dozens of other options.

Well yeah, I've been maintaining the same thing... if you're not some kind of oversized tubing for steel to beef up the stiffness, the only real reason you can give as far as marketing it for actual track racing is that some guy prefers it over al or carbon.

But a frame made like the keirin ones with some Columbus Spirit tubes and lugs would still be better than a frame with 4130 tubes and lugs.

Funny parallel: A roadie would be laughed out of his Cat 3 race if he showed up with a 3Rensho steel road bike...

Of course it would be better, but it would cost more. You can choose to pay a premium for quality tubing, or a premium for lugs, and in this case, the decision is for lugs.

Yes, I meant that using the price structure of $600 for 4130, then 853/Spirit would fall into the $1000 region. And yeah, we already know that Straton has made a boat-load on over-priced Keirin frames that were most likely purchased for their trend-factor.

I mean personally I think the price would be like 700-800, but yeah, it'd make more sense to market the Kazane's for mostly what they are: trendy, nice on the eyes, and not as performance oriented as a Pista Concept, Fuji Track Pro, 90's Cannondale or any of the other frames that track guys seem to be liking a lot.

See, I'd disagree with your second point. People want to believe that the bike that they are riding is some sort of "pure track machine," that was forcibly yanked from the velodrome and put onto the streets. If anyone knows this, it's the guy from Keirin Culture, who has made a living selling exactly this. It makes more sense for him (and everyone else in the Richmond metropolitan area) to continue to push these as the pure track bike that everyone desires, rather than as trendy, attractive and perhaps lacking in performance.

To your first point, it could certainly be done for $7-800, but at that price point, there are far too many custom options and used frames available to make it a viable business.