Originally Posted by
PeteHski
Brand reputation and history is the main evidence. If I buy an S-Works carbon bar I can reasonably expect a high level of quality and safety. If I buy a random unknown, unbranded carbon bar then I can expect nothing. It is a complete lottery.
That's not really evidence...rather, it's logic.
A name brand has a reputation to protect; one online photo of a broken component might cost them millions in lost sales, and they also have deep pockets in the event of lawsuits. A no-name online seller has no reputation and is largely shielded from litigation. From which company would you rather buy a critical component?