"Craftsmanship or storied history?" On carbon frames? I submit that craftsmanship of framebuilders in Asia is every bit as good as those anywhere in the world, at least on bikes available in commercial quantities. Compare an Italian-made carbon Colnago (a fine bike by itself) with a Taiwanese one and you'll see exactly what I mean: the Asian version is the superior frame in every respect. As for history, every one of the cutting-edge techniques used to make state-of-the-art carbon frames was developed and/or refined in Asia. So for my money, it's the Taiwanese and Chinese craftsmen (and women) we should be venerating.

Poseur grips? Dude, if you want flat bars, get some flat bars. If you really want to rock track bars, you only tape the drops anyway.

Hi John, Thanks for you candor and willingness to share. I only met your dad a couple times, being employed by other companies in the bike biz over the last thirty years, but each time I was struck by how present he was. Whether shaking hands with me as a snotty-nosed young salesguy or later, as D of M for a major competitor, he always projected that he was both glad to meet me and genuinely interested in what I had to say, even during just a few seconds of pleasantries. I continue to be impressed with him, his legacy, and how you've extended and built upon it. Thanks again for sharing so much of yourself.

I'm with Uku and MyoChi:, this is just plain cute. And at least it's a use of the Buddha figure that isn't (directly) trying to sell us something. It's almost like a kong-an: If the Buddha went to a Christmas party, would he wear reindeer antlers?

Wow. This is the true, clear dharma. Thank you for presenting this teaching. --rick