Actually, lots of higher quality bikes were sold as bare framesets that owners set up with components of their preference. Consequently, there were buyers that picked and chose every different component not as part of component brands or groups, but a custom "frankenbike" mix that worked great for them.
Unfortunately, most C&Vers tend to be "purists" and would insist in having full period correct, complete component groups on their bikes, so the practice tends to dominate the C&V culture, sometime to the detriment on how their C&V bikes ultimately rides.
I have both pure build bikes and Frankenbikes in my stable, and frankly, I tend to enjoy my non-pure build bikes on the road and for just looking at, more.
My ALAN Record Carbonio is one of those bikes, and I consider it as one of my best bikes, so far!
