I had to comment on the Gangl thread...
Richard is not a recluse; he can and will talk for hours about subjects he is passionate about... bikes and racing are just one topic, among others.
Although he has BS degree, he's had his own frame shop since the late 70's and has continued to strive to improve his product over time. He cut apart frame's to evaluate how well he brazed, and then did the same with competitor's frames... he has a very interesting collection and some real surprises on the 'quality' of frame builders.
Today Richard builds in titanium, aluminium, carbon and steel and will do a combination of ti/carbon. Most of his frames are road or track, but he has done touring frames too.
He also does his own paint. I'd stand a Gangl paint job up to anyone's. Innovative, attention to detail and first class quality. He even built his own paint oven to ensure he could feel comfortable with what he produced.
Brian Van Baush Anacortes, WA. USA
And he has the cleanest, most organized shop I've been in.