If I understand correctly, Grant is a supporter of specialized markets within the bicycle industry. He has stated this in interviews; something to the effect of "pick one thing and be the very best at it". His economic strategy has perhaps led to a current consolidation of models, which, colored by location and Rivendell's present interests, equates to "country bikes" and other bicycles not limited to paved riding. As a company they seem to stick to their guns about offering alternatives to mainstream cycle culture - bikes specifically for tall riders, production models of that use near obsolete tire sizes, a "fancy" mixtie, specific tube sets designed with long life as one of the key attributes. This idealism is, of course, complicated by economics. They could make more money by compromising further, but eventually the attention to detail, quality, and ethical nature of their bikes would start to become questionable - I doubt good design policies alone are enough to keep Rivendell as the same unique business we all respect and want to be a part of. In many ways I applaud them for not giving people what they want. I don't mean to say that consumers should be limited and not have a more easily affordable Riv-ish road bike. As several people have mentioned before, those types of production bikes exist already and plenty of used Rams are sold through Ebay and local CL adds. I may be alone in this but I think a low priced road intended production model from Rivendell would be a bad idea, albeit one that would sell. That said, I think a new Ram style model would really enhance the line of available models. To set it apart from many of the competing brands' models this new model should be extra fancy. This way Rivendell has a beautiful, well planned, agile, road bike - probably offered at the same price as some customs (from less established builders?) - but with less wait time (once production starts) and years of design and practical experience guiding it. Something like the Glorious/Wilbury level of detail, in the body of a Ram/or Road Standard is what I would like to see. I could never afford it, but I still think that makes the most sense.
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