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I don't really get what you're paying for to be honest. Cut and shut any old MTB frame and you'll get the same thing for a 1/5th of the cost.
Chak-
Geometry is wildly different though. I have an 18" Kona Lava Dome from '97 and the effective TT is around 600mm(!). On the Crust it's between 550-565 (they have two medium sizes).
I think the reason they're double the price of a Genesis Vagabond frameset or a Marin Four Corners with comparable geometry is due to the size of their operation.
The frames are from Taiwan but they can't order in the same magnitude as the big manufacturers. Add some special order items like the thru-axle fork and eyelets galore and you have a higher price.
Price is what you pay, and value is what you get. Obviously some customers think the added value is worth it.
MisterMikkel
Saw that Crust earlier today, they are lovely but price seems very steep for amount of bike