Who's buying all these high end bikes?
#76
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Not really.
I started with a "hand-me-down" bicycle, and gradually started collecting the stuff ... and upgrading.
I started with a "hand-me-down" bicycle, and gradually started collecting the stuff ... and upgrading.
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#77
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I have been pretty happy with my bikes, although I have pondered a titanium frame.
High end components are somewhat relative in that I prefer older high end and typically buy used, so Dura Ace or XTR is not that expensive. I imagine I am able to spend more, but I have yet to equate too-high-for-me high end and happiness.
The funny thing about the over 50 crowd and high end bikes is that by the time they have the means they are no longer as competitive. Unless of course you drink the kool-aid and believe old guys rule.
John
High end components are somewhat relative in that I prefer older high end and typically buy used, so Dura Ace or XTR is not that expensive. I imagine I am able to spend more, but I have yet to equate too-high-for-me high end and happiness.
The funny thing about the over 50 crowd and high end bikes is that by the time they have the means they are no longer as competitive. Unless of course you drink the kool-aid and believe old guys rule.
John
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#79
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Wife is bugging me to buy a new Future Shock Roubaix after test riding one this past weekend. LBS owner let me have one for a 121 miler on Thursday and 60 miler on Saturday following 92 miles on my Paramount. Like the ride better than the 2013 Giant Propel Advanced SL so I might be adding a new bike to the inventory. Would be an Expert or higher.
Just registered yesterday for 2018 Bike Sebring 12/24 Hour RAAM Qualfier and that Roubaix would most definitely make the required 400 miles in 24 hours a lot more enjoyable.
Just registered yesterday for 2018 Bike Sebring 12/24 Hour RAAM Qualfier and that Roubaix would most definitely make the required 400 miles in 24 hours a lot more enjoyable.
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With a new 2017 PINARELLO F10 Frameset & a set of MEILENSTEIN LIGHTWEIGHT WHEELS you are already at $15,000.00
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#81
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I'm not 50+, so I probably shouldn't be posting in here, but one thing I learned from the "Rene Herse" book is that he had customers all the way up and down the income scale. Lots of younger folks with mid-level jobs, who cut back on everything else so they could afford his custom bikes.
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FWIW, I live in one of the poorest counties in the US, and note that I routinely pass house trailers that have $30-50K pickup trucks and $4-8K 4 wheelers parked in the yard next to the satellite dish. People will adjust their spending to afford what they really want. Compared to trucks and 4 wheelers, a few thou on a bike that requires minimal maintenance seems pretty cheap.
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#83
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Five years ago I bought my wife a custom built frame that was right at $3000 as a retirement gift. I built up the bike using good components. It was the best investment I ever made.
A major consideration was fit issues.
She has ridden the bike over 18,000 miles in 11 countries during the last 5 years
On a short 3-day tour last week she thanked me again for the bike. If it makes her happy it makes me happy.
A major consideration was fit issues.
She has ridden the bike over 18,000 miles in 11 countries during the last 5 years
On a short 3-day tour last week she thanked me again for the bike. If it makes her happy it makes me happy.
Last edited by Doug64; 06-26-17 at 04:28 PM.
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Just wondering who do you think are buying all these high end designer/handmade type bikes? My guess is most of the folks in this particular forum (+50). I think most of us here can afford to get a Ti or custom steel frame if we really wanted to. Do you think the average Joe Biker can afford to get these? A young person with a family or at work trying to make ends meet wouldn't choose one of these so that leaves us old farts with enough disposable income to keep all these small business in business...
Personally, I would like a Ti gravel bike...
What do you think?
Personally, I would like a Ti gravel bike...
What do you think?
I just bought a $3K bike last week, a Specialized Diverge Comp, and I was still astounded that I was spending that much on a bike. And my LBS had a good number of $5K and up bikes too. But at 59, I feel like I can spend a bit more on myself. I'd have never considered it when the kids were still in the house.
That said, when I was in the bike shop, there was a guy getting his Schwinn Varsity serviced. I looked it up, that bike was $66 in the 60's. :-)
#85
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Don't know if a situation like this has already been mentioned. I was in my LBS a few months ago (new bikes came out in March) looking at a Trek 520, and another customer walks out with a brand new Madone. The sales guy I was talking to mentioned he's one of the regulars that come in every year (or other year in this guys case) and trade in their 1-2 year old high-end road bike for the newest model with all the latest 'bling'. That's some serious bike flipping!
FYI: No, I haven't decided yet on buying a new 520, some other brand of touring bike, or building my own new rig.
FYI: No, I haven't decided yet on buying a new 520, some other brand of touring bike, or building my own new rig.
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#88
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fullsizeoutput_21.jpg
Boy you sure have that right.. Old coot here with my new Pinarello F8 Dogma & Reynolds RZR 46 Wheels..
Boy you sure have that right.. Old coot here with my new Pinarello F8 Dogma & Reynolds RZR 46 Wheels..
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Where I live any bike that cost more than about $250 is money lost. Bike theft is so rampant here that it's just not worth having anything valuable.
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Yes, if it is a high enough priority. People spend thousands of dollars a year on cell phones, internet access, cable, HVAC, eating out, gas, vacation travel, clothes, event tickets, etc. By simply trimming or eliminating a few of those things, one can free up the price of a nice bike.
BB
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FWIW, I live in one of the poorest counties in the US, and note that I routinely pass house trailers that have $30-50K pickup trucks and $4-8K 4 wheelers parked in the yard next to the satellite dish. People will adjust their spending to afford what they really want. Compared to trucks and 4 wheelers, a few thou on a bike that requires minimal maintenance seems pretty cheap.
No matter what your income, you're going to spend the money on what's important to you. Be that a new car, a top of the line iPhone, or $5k bike.
I just bought a $3K bike last week, a Specialized Diverge Comp, and I was still astounded that I was spending that much on a bike. And my LBS had a good number of $5K and up bikes too. But at 59, I feel like I can spend a bit more on myself. I'd have never considered it when the kids were still in the house.
#92
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Riders51 - I agree w/you. People will find a way to spend $ on what they want.
FYI - The list is as follows...4. Connecticut...3. California...2. New Jersey...1. Maryland. I think that you might be referring to counties...I could be wrong.
FYI - The list is as follows...4. Connecticut...3. California...2. New Jersey...1. Maryland. I think that you might be referring to counties...I could be wrong.
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But ... do you ride them? Or just brag about it?
Attachment 569415
Boy you sure have that right.. Old coot here with my new Pinarello F8 Dogma & Reynolds RZR 46 Wheels..
Boy you sure have that right.. Old coot here with my new Pinarello F8 Dogma & Reynolds RZR 46 Wheels..
#94
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[QUOTE=SWorksRoubaix;19685345]But ... do you ride them? Or just brag about it?[/QUOTE
Goes out on a sunny nice warm morning when conditions are perfect as i don't want any thing that gets on my RZR 46 Reynolds...Must keep them nice bright and shiny...
Goes out on a sunny nice warm morning when conditions are perfect as i don't want any thing that gets on my RZR 46 Reynolds...Must keep them nice bright and shiny...
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#95
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Sorry for the diversion there. Great picks there guys. Inspiring. There are a lot of tough rides in the US I have wanted to do, and Haleakala is one of them. Seeing these pics makes me think I'm not too old.
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Thanks for the update. I definitely do NOT live in the weathiest county in the state! I do believe in the past CT was the "highest" in weatlh. Either way, if you've ever been through CT, you'll notice it isn't cheap, and there are a lot of people with $$$ (I''m not really one of them, but do have a good career job).
Sorry for the diversion there. Great picks there guys. Inspiring. There are a lot of tough rides in the US I have wanted to do, and Haleakala is one of them. Seeing these pics makes me think I'm not too old.
Sorry for the diversion there. Great picks there guys. Inspiring. There are a lot of tough rides in the US I have wanted to do, and Haleakala is one of them. Seeing these pics makes me think I'm not too old.
#100
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