Bike porn

The smaller the brand the more interesting it is to a degree. The bigger brands try to please all the poeple. Thus water down any character traits. I think its human nature to be drawn to the less common.

In terms of this thread it makes no difference if you ask me. 'Indie' brands like Surly and Salsa like to look like they are two bearded guys in a shed. Yet they're part of one of the biggest bike companies out there.

Very true. Tbh I'm happy to mix and match mainstream with niche - Mavic rims are fine by me, but a nice handmade hub from Hope/CK is equally welcome. Same goes for indie chainrings on mainstream cranks. All good.
Here in LA, everyone on the east side with $6k to spare seems to ride something handmade from steel, covered in Paul components. On the West side, they ride Cervelos, BMCs and Colnagos. I doubt either understands the other, but they all ride the shit out of their bikes and love it.