Originally Posted by
xroadcharlie
I've found the best value in most consumer products is not the least expensive option. Certainly not the expensive models for most cyclists. We can spend US $700 - $5,000+ on a Giant road bike for example if we want speed. I'd think their $1,500 Contend AR 1 is perhaps their best value road bike. Its looks comfortable, Fast and has very good parts. I think you'll find the same with other brands if you compare features on different models.
Same principle holds true for comfort and hybrid bikes, but in the $400 - 2,000 range. I think you'll find that for a few dollars more then entry level we can get a better bike that is worth the higher price.
I agree...I inherited an old $600 Trek hybrid--with the name brand & not-so-cheap price the lack of quality is surprising: front rim has a bump at the joint, squishy saddle, annoying twist-shifters. $1,000+ bikes unlikely to have those problems. OTOH it's hard to see advantages of $5K bikes unless one has special needs like a custom frame. French pros used to win TdF's on $250 bikes (70's price).