Originally Posted by
American Euchre
The quality of engineering in the bicycling industry is poor. The financial incentive vs. say, writing a popular app, or even just working a 9 to 5 as a nurse are miniscule.
As a result, the industry attracts diehard bicycle lovers who enjoy tinkering but charge a mint for any product that's even moderately worthwhile, or large scale manufacturers who try to meet a price point with shoddy gear that's 99-100% plastic and maybe offers the functionality of a cheap toy from a box of craker (non racial epithet?) jacks (cat eye products come to find frequently).
Second, it seems that all useful accessories for bicycles seem like esthetic after thoughts, and look and feel like clunky, out of place after thoughts. This includes lights, reflectors, mirrors and bags.
Accessories designers and manufacturers just can't seem to "get it right." It's really kind of sad. The accessories just seems to be composed of designs from middle school kids in shop class.
Sooo well said--my thoughts all along as well. You buy a $40 tailight and there is no good way to mount it; a rear rack bracket is sold separately for $10. A handlebar extention $15, panniers (aka bags with velcro) $70. How much does it really cost to make them? But there are always what you call diehard bike lovers who are willing to pay for them, esp. the safety related accessories (reasoning: "This bright light is $250, but it can save your life.").
(Btw I once suggested here that bikes should be built with integrated lights since they are required by law, annoyed many here
)