Don made some interesting observations, Joe's comments about American Icon not withstanding. To me it sounds a lot like Rivendell's model, tongue firmly in cheek!
Rivendell fights, survives and becames a market 'power' based on style.
All the while this was going on, gifted KOF Stylists like Joe Stark and Curt Goodrich were working on customs for Rivendell.
The customizers fed off the Rivendell marketing machine, and Rivendell fed off the customizers effectively creating concept bike after concept bike that stimulated new interest in Rivendell.
Rivendell encouraged the customizers.
Rivendel fosters iBOB, the Bobish Owners Group, that promotes fanatical consumer loyalty.
Rivendell has competitors, bike makers that make a great opponent/villain, because of the lack of soul and simple design in their bikes.
Rivendells styling kept the emphasis on simple paint, ornamaent, chrome and detail.
Rivendell promotes accessories out the kazoo.
Rivendell pursues, cultivates and promotes the gotta have it factor.
Ok, seriously. This is why I think down the road Rivendell will be the most collectable of the KOF bikes out there ;)
Mike Wilkinson
Castle Rock, CO