"freedom of contract" is misguided as an idea too.
It's only as misguided as the idea of freedom of speech. Of course, all rights can be circumscribed, but only where this is a compelling public interest in doing so. I can't see any compelling public interest in restricting contracts between manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers for the supply of bicycles, since the bicycle market is already very diverse and the barrier to entry at all levels is pretty low.
It's only as misguided as the idea of freedom of speech. Of course, all rights can be circumscribed, but only where this is a compelling public interest in doing so. I can't see any compelling public interest in restricting contracts between manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers for the supply of bicycles, since the bicycle market is already very diverse and the barrier to entry at all levels is pretty low.