Originally Posted by
MRT2
$700 for a bike with Tourney level components is a rip off. Even Tourney at a $500 price point isn't great, IMO. I am sorry but Specialized is just being greedy. And while I get it that the consumers maybe don't know, I think what they are doing is pushing people up to higher price points. My thought is, they could offer better quality, with a different trade off. Better drivetrain components at the entry level. Better Wheels and tires at the next level. If you need to save money, go with V brakes rather than discs. That is my thought.
I don't see Specialized pricing any different than Trek or anyone else. And if they are, a little thing called competition will take care of it in short order. Either they're all greedy or other factors are at play.
The cost of raw materials is constantly increasing. Aluminum is a good example. It's not just metals. Wood has increased in cost by over 100% in the last year. Good thing we aren't riding wooden bicycles!