Differences between high end bikes?
07-10-11, 07:37 AM
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Differences between high end bikes?
So I'm generally new to road biking and was just wondering, giant, trek, specialized, pinarello etc are those kind of the differences between bmw, mercedes, jag, lexus? Not in that particular order but since I understand more about cars then bikes just trying to get a simple translation. Are bikes at the 3000$ + price range all the same just the brand? Or are some bikes made better etc?
Thanks
Thanks
07-10-11, 07:43 AM
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07-10-11, 07:43 AM
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Some of us here don't like the car analogies but I'm OK with it. Geometries are the main differences with these bikes.
They are all very good. I would take Jaguar out of the picture but yes, preference of a BMW 328ix vs Mercedes C300 4 Matic vs. Lexus IS 250 AWD.
They are all very good. I would take Jaguar out of the picture but yes, preference of a BMW 328ix vs Mercedes C300 4 Matic vs. Lexus IS 250 AWD.
07-10-11, 07:46 AM
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They may be slightly stiffer, slightly more aero, slightly lighter. They share the main component, the engine - you.
Fit and feel are more important.
None of it over 3k, that fits you, is going to be holding you back.
Fit and feel are more important.
None of it over 3k, that fits you, is going to be holding you back.
07-10-11, 07:54 AM
#6
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Way less differences than with cars. For example, there's only about 3-4 main makers of drivetrain parts. Every bike out there has one of those company's drivetrain. Of course each maker has a variety of price ranges, but I think most will agree that even the lowest offerings from the major drivetrain manufacturers will function reliably and with good performance.
When you're bike shopping, for me, it comes down to the frame choice, and who can put together a package that gives you the parts you want at a price you like.
When you're bike shopping, for me, it comes down to the frame choice, and who can put together a package that gives you the parts you want at a price you like.
07-10-11, 07:59 AM
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Way less differences than with cars. For example, there's only about 3-4 main makers of drivetrain parts. Every bike out there has one of those company's drivetrain. Of course each maker has a variety of price ranges, but I think most will agree that even the lowest offerings from the major drivetrain manufacturers will function reliably and with good performance.
When you're bike shopping, for me, it comes down to the frame choice, and who can put together a package that gives you the parts you want at a price you like.
When you're bike shopping, for me, it comes down to the frame choice, and who can put together a package that gives you the parts you want at a price you like.
Oh haha I just thought some might be better then others I see A LOT of people riding cervelos so naturally I thought they make better ones. Maybe it's sex appeal? They are really nice bikes.
07-10-11, 08:20 AM
#8
Descends like a rock
Yes they are. You're buying a really nice frame, and they generally come with all top-notch components. A lot of it is sex appeal, but it includes some quality engineering and manufacturing.
07-10-11, 11:47 AM
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But yeah, they're pretty nice. Don't test ride one, because it's like taking your first hit of crack.
07-10-11, 11:54 AM
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Cervelos are great bikes ... but anything in the price range is. Cervelo does great engineering work, which makes light and stiff bikes, and very aerodynamic ones. And they have a superb warranty. Add all of that stuff, plus a heaping dose of people who love theirs talking it up, and you wind up with a weird sort of mystique.
But yeah, they're pretty nice. Don't test ride one, because it's like taking your first hit of crack.
But yeah, they're pretty nice. Don't test ride one, because it's like taking your first hit of crack.
07-10-11, 11:55 AM
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If you're new to road biking the differences in performance between high-end frames won't make any difference to you. Some are super-stiff, some less so, but the differences pale into insignificance besides the importance of buying something that fits and feels comfortable.
Cervelos are the prescription du jour, because they look sexy as well as being good. But you'd probably get better value by buying the top-of-the-range product of a less trendy manufacturer. Giant, Focus, etc etc. They are all terrific bikes.
Cervelos are the prescription du jour, because they look sexy as well as being good. But you'd probably get better value by buying the top-of-the-range product of a less trendy manufacturer. Giant, Focus, etc etc. They are all terrific bikes.
07-10-11, 04:43 PM
#13
Professional Fuss-Budget
As others have suggested: Bicycles are essentially commodities. Almost all of the bike manufacturers use a very select group of component manufacturers, the same design philosophies, the same goals, the same marketing jargon....
At the top level of the sport, there isn't much indication that the bike itself makes much of a difference. E.g. in theory "aero" bikes offer a significant advantage over non-aero bikes, in practice the bike seems to have little impact on who wins or loses.
For the most part, any bike will be the same as almost any other bike in its price range, and once you go above $1500-$2000, you see increasingly diminishing returns. Unlike cars, performance is mostly based on the rider's capabilities.
Also keep in mind that when faced with a large number of possible choices, people tend to exaggerate the importance of minor differences in order to try and justify choosing one particular option.
At the top level of the sport, there isn't much indication that the bike itself makes much of a difference. E.g. in theory "aero" bikes offer a significant advantage over non-aero bikes, in practice the bike seems to have little impact on who wins or loses.
For the most part, any bike will be the same as almost any other bike in its price range, and once you go above $1500-$2000, you see increasingly diminishing returns. Unlike cars, performance is mostly based on the rider's capabilities.
Also keep in mind that when faced with a large number of possible choices, people tend to exaggerate the importance of minor differences in order to try and justify choosing one particular option.
07-10-11, 05:48 PM
#14
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At the 3,000 dollar price point, more or less they are about the same.
All work good and are somewhat light.
Some of the geo's are different, so one brand may fit better than another,
But besides that, they are mostly the same.
In fact, I think most are made by just a slect few factories in Asia.
Made to different specs, but still.
When you start to get into the 4500 and up, then things get fun.
Me, I went custom, to get just what I wanted in a go fast type bike.
Some here will swear that their xyz bike is better than another xyz bike.
More or less it's the rider.
All work good and are somewhat light.
Some of the geo's are different, so one brand may fit better than another,
But besides that, they are mostly the same.
In fact, I think most are made by just a slect few factories in Asia.
Made to different specs, but still.
When you start to get into the 4500 and up, then things get fun.
Me, I went custom, to get just what I wanted in a go fast type bike.
Some here will swear that their xyz bike is better than another xyz bike.
More or less it's the rider.
07-10-11, 07:16 PM
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If you're new to road biking the differences in performance between high-end frames won't make any difference to you. Some are super-stiff, some less so, but the differences pale into insignificance besides the importance of buying something that fits and feels comfortable.
Cervelos are the prescription du jour, because they look sexy as well as being good. But you'd probably get better value by buying the top-of-the-range product of a less trendy manufacturer. Giant, Focus, etc etc. They are all terrific bikes.
Cervelos are the prescription du jour, because they look sexy as well as being good. But you'd probably get better value by buying the top-of-the-range product of a less trendy manufacturer. Giant, Focus, etc etc. They are all terrific bikes.
07-10-11, 07:18 PM
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As others have suggested: Bicycles are essentially commodities. Almost all of the bike manufacturers use a very select group of component manufacturers, the same design philosophies, the same goals, the same marketing jargon....
At the top level of the sport, there isn't much indication that the bike itself makes much of a difference. E.g. in theory "aero" bikes offer a significant advantage over non-aero bikes, in practice the bike seems to have little impact on who wins or loses.
For the most part, any bike will be the same as almost any other bike in its price range, and once you go above $1500-$2000, you see increasingly diminishing returns. Unlike cars, performance is mostly based on the rider's capabilities.
Also keep in mind that when faced with a large number of possible choices, people tend to exaggerate the importance of minor differences in order to try and justify choosing one particular option.
At the top level of the sport, there isn't much indication that the bike itself makes much of a difference. E.g. in theory "aero" bikes offer a significant advantage over non-aero bikes, in practice the bike seems to have little impact on who wins or loses.
For the most part, any bike will be the same as almost any other bike in its price range, and once you go above $1500-$2000, you see increasingly diminishing returns. Unlike cars, performance is mostly based on the rider's capabilities.
Also keep in mind that when faced with a large number of possible choices, people tend to exaggerate the importance of minor differences in order to try and justify choosing one particular option.
07-10-11, 08:51 PM
#17
Senior Member
The guys riding in the TDF right now, could ride away from 99.9% 0f the posters on BF, on a bike they got from wally world!
But it is fun to get on a nice looking ride and be comfy for a good long ride!
Besides a bike you like/love will make you want to ride it more!
07-10-11, 09:22 PM
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Oh yeah for sure I bought a giant defy 3 as my first bike so far its awesome gets my legs in great shape for my tennis practice after. I avoid running now because running + tennis= knee killer. Cycling=lifesaver lol. Hopefully as the years pass by I'm still into it and buy a really sick one
Bike differences are miniscule for road bikes. This includes today's gen of intro-level road bikes that are at the LBS for $700. (Does not include Wallyworld 30lbs specials, which are inadequate for serious riding, unfortunately.)
I've got a Cervelo AND a Giant Defy3 (which I bought after the Cervelo.) I do most of my miles on my Giant now - more crashable, parts are cheaper, and I can save my race bike from wear and tear. In terms of speed difference, there's pretty much none - it's all rider. The shifter/derailleurs are a bit slower for the Giant, but by no means a problem.
Pros will race anything given to them today - it doesn't matter what the bike manufacturer is; there's not a significant enough difference to matter.
07-10-11, 09:27 PM
#19
Professional Fuss-Budget
Sure, but that doesn't necessarily have anything to do with price.
You're certainly not going to ride twice as much just because your bike cost $4000 instead of $2000, nor is it going to be twice as fast or twice as comfortable. If anything, the more you spend, the smaller the improvements.
You're certainly not going to ride twice as much just because your bike cost $4000 instead of $2000, nor is it going to be twice as fast or twice as comfortable. If anything, the more you spend, the smaller the improvements.
07-10-11, 11:15 PM
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Anyone else cringe a bit watching Contador pick his $15,000+ bike up and throw it to the ground? That thing bounced about two feet. I was thinking, WAIT, WAIT, WAIT...if you don't want it I'll take it!
Last edited by pgjackson; 07-10-11 at 11:23 PM.
07-10-11, 11:19 PM
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Cervelos are great bikes ... but anything in the price range is. Cervelo does great engineering work, which makes light and stiff bikes, and very aerodynamic ones. And they have a superb warranty. Add all of that stuff, plus a heaping dose of people who love theirs talking it up, and you wind up with a weird sort of mystique.
But yeah, they're pretty nice. Don't test ride one, because it's like taking your first hit of crack.
But yeah, they're pretty nice. Don't test ride one, because it's like taking your first hit of crack.
07-11-11, 07:58 AM
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Well, let me help you here. Your Giant Defy3 is 99% the equivalent of a Cervelo in terms of speed if it fits correctly. Ok, maybe 98.5%. Even with the stock Sora/2200 Shimano derailleurs.
Bike differences are miniscule for road bikes. This includes today's gen of intro-level road bikes that are at the LBS for $700. (Does not include Wallyworld 30lbs specials, which are inadequate for serious riding, unfortunately.)
I've got a Cervelo AND a Giant Defy3 (which I bought after the Cervelo.) I do most of my miles on my Giant now - more crashable, parts are cheaper, and I can save my race bike from wear and tear. In terms of speed difference, there's pretty much none - it's all rider. The shifter/derailleurs are a bit slower for the Giant, but by no means a problem.
Pros will race anything given to them today - it doesn't matter what the bike manufacturer is; there's not a significant enough difference to matter.
Bike differences are miniscule for road bikes. This includes today's gen of intro-level road bikes that are at the LBS for $700. (Does not include Wallyworld 30lbs specials, which are inadequate for serious riding, unfortunately.)
I've got a Cervelo AND a Giant Defy3 (which I bought after the Cervelo.) I do most of my miles on my Giant now - more crashable, parts are cheaper, and I can save my race bike from wear and tear. In terms of speed difference, there's pretty much none - it's all rider. The shifter/derailleurs are a bit slower for the Giant, but by no means a problem.
Pros will race anything given to them today - it doesn't matter what the bike manufacturer is; there's not a significant enough difference to matter.
07-11-11, 08:44 AM
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So I'm generally new to road biking and was just wondering, giant, trek, specialized, pinarello etc are those kind of the differences between bmw, mercedes, jag, lexus? Not in that particular order but since I understand more about cars then bikes just trying to get a simple translation. Are bikes at the 3000$ + price range all the same just the brand? Or are some bikes made better etc?
Thanks
Thanks
I would be very surprised if any of the TdF bikes are in the 3,000 range. More likely in the 9,000 range.
07-11-11, 08:48 AM
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I cringed a little, but then again, I have little respect for the doper. I hope the damages (if any) come out of his pocket!
07-11-11, 12:47 PM
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