What do you really pay for?
09-25-16, 02:08 PM
#26
Senior Member
From mid to upper tier the differences are very minor, but if you're thinking than Dura-Ace/Red/SR are in any way inferior to their cheaper cousins, you're wrong.
09-25-16, 02:09 PM
#27
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: St Peters, Missouri
Posts: 30,225
Bikes: Catrike 559 I own some others but they don't get ridden very much.
Mentioned: 16 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1572 Post(s)
Liked 643 Times
in
364 Posts
The OP has a good point. Once you have gotten up to a bike that cost $1000, any more money than that buy mainly glitz and a name.
It is pretty much like the person that is in a room and told every time the bell rings walk half way to the wall. The first few times (or dollars) gets you something, but the point of good progress becomes less and less. BTW in case you didnt know the person will never reach the wall.
It is pretty much like the person that is in a room and told every time the bell rings walk half way to the wall. The first few times (or dollars) gets you something, but the point of good progress becomes less and less. BTW in case you didnt know the person will never reach the wall.
__________________
My greatest fear is all of my kids standing around my coffin and talking about "how sensible" dad was.
My greatest fear is all of my kids standing around my coffin and talking about "how sensible" dad was.
09-25-16, 02:09 PM
#28
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Madison, IN
Posts: 1,351
Bikes: 2015 Jamis Quest Comp
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 270 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
2. Who wears a watch anymore? That's what smart phones are for! (Unless it's a fitbit or Garmin watch that is)
09-25-16, 02:20 PM
#29
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: 47°N, 7°E
Posts: 59
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 17 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Currently I mostly ride relatively old and classic steel bikes which are also relatively heavy, between 11 and 14 kg.
One of them is a good road bike from the 1980's, Columbus steel, originally 2x6 speed Shimano 600. Because it has a very comfortable frame, I upgraded it to a compact 2x9 and newer wheels. It cost me about 800$. For that price, I have a bike which is certainly more comfortable than a new one at the same price, but a bit heavier and still with downtube shifters.
The other one is a custom built randonneuse which cost me 4'500€ ten years ago. It was a very expensive bike in spite of having mostly middle range components. The price was due to the hand made frame and the local assembly. It was justified because it was what was needed to have the configuration I wanted (steel, drop bars, dynohub, fenders, rack...). 10 years ago, such a bike was very hard to find in my area. Now it is more common and I could certainly buy it off-the-shelf or almost. It is a bit heavy but I can ride more hours on it than on any other bike I've had.
Now sometimes when I see these guys on carbon bikes drop me in the climbs, I think that maybe it would be a good idea too. I am not ready for it yet. But I am sure that whenever I make that step, I will spend more than 1'000$, because I certainly wouldn't bear to be disappointed.
One of them is a good road bike from the 1980's, Columbus steel, originally 2x6 speed Shimano 600. Because it has a very comfortable frame, I upgraded it to a compact 2x9 and newer wheels. It cost me about 800$. For that price, I have a bike which is certainly more comfortable than a new one at the same price, but a bit heavier and still with downtube shifters.
The other one is a custom built randonneuse which cost me 4'500€ ten years ago. It was a very expensive bike in spite of having mostly middle range components. The price was due to the hand made frame and the local assembly. It was justified because it was what was needed to have the configuration I wanted (steel, drop bars, dynohub, fenders, rack...). 10 years ago, such a bike was very hard to find in my area. Now it is more common and I could certainly buy it off-the-shelf or almost. It is a bit heavy but I can ride more hours on it than on any other bike I've had.
Now sometimes when I see these guys on carbon bikes drop me in the climbs, I think that maybe it would be a good idea too. I am not ready for it yet. But I am sure that whenever I make that step, I will spend more than 1'000$, because I certainly wouldn't bear to be disappointed.
09-25-16, 02:42 PM
#30
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 687
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 174 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times
in
5 Posts
all kinds of people race on all kinds of bikes. are you really so naive that you think a brand new Cat 5 racer is throwing a leg over a $12K top-of-the-line ride...?
threads where people set a limit on what constitutes the proper amount of money to spend on a bike are beyond inane.
pro tip: worry about your personal budget limits and let others do the same.
09-25-16, 02:53 PM
#31
Expired Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: TN
Posts: 11,518
Mentioned: 37 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3658 Post(s)
Liked 5,404 Times
in
2,744 Posts
09-25-16, 03:20 PM
#32
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Music City, USA
Posts: 4,444
Bikes: bikes
Mentioned: 52 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2622 Post(s)
Liked 1,429 Times
in
711 Posts
I'm not worried about it, I want to understand what criteria people use when they buy higher end bikes since I could be missing something. Are there considerations above and beyond weight? If you haven't bought a nicer bike don't clutter this thread with pointless advice.
Shoes, clothes, cars, appliances, houses, haircuts. Get where this is going?
09-25-16, 03:22 PM
#33
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Music City, USA
Posts: 4,444
Bikes: bikes
Mentioned: 52 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2622 Post(s)
Liked 1,429 Times
in
711 Posts
So no, going over 1000 bucks does not just give you glitz and a name. Quality cost money.
09-25-16, 03:39 PM
#34
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Farmington Hills, Mi
Posts: 297
Bikes: 1996 Specialized Hardrock Sport FS, 2011 Fuji Newest 1.0, 2015 GRC-Single Gecko, 2016 Waterford RS-22
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 24 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I wrote up a whole rant-post. I just deleted it. It would be lost on the OP.
You'd probably think my custom built lugged steel frame randonneuring bike from Waterford is too expensive. It just says to me you don't understand. Same reason I don't understand why you spend money on things I don't enjoy as much as you.
You'd probably think my custom built lugged steel frame randonneuring bike from Waterford is too expensive. It just says to me you don't understand. Same reason I don't understand why you spend money on things I don't enjoy as much as you.
09-25-16, 03:50 PM
#35
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2016
Posts: 831
Bikes: Enough plus 1
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 364 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
3 Posts
Not going to lie to anyone - I enjoy the thought of having high-end bikes - and other things -because I feel I earned it after 9 years skulking around universities and 30 years on the job
09-25-16, 03:50 PM
#36
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Farmington Hills, Mi
Posts: 297
Bikes: 1996 Specialized Hardrock Sport FS, 2011 Fuji Newest 1.0, 2015 GRC-Single Gecko, 2016 Waterford RS-22
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 24 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I disagree. And I've ridden bikes well below, below, and above the $1000 mark. You may not like it, but there is a difference. Not everyone has the means or the desire for a bike over $1000, and that's OK. And while you can certainly spend a lot of money on glitz and a name, you can also spend money on a much better bike. You just need to be educated.
09-25-16, 03:56 PM
#37
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
Posts: 5,971
Bikes: 2015 Charge Plug, 2007 Dahon Boardwalk, 1997 Nishiki Blazer, 1984 Nishiki International, 2006 Felt F65, 1989 Dahon Getaway V
Mentioned: 54 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1364 Post(s)
Liked 1,677 Times
in
827 Posts
If more Americans made sensible purchases our economy would suffer greatly.
09-25-16, 04:10 PM
#38
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: LaPorte, IN
Posts: 625
Bikes: 2013 Raleigh Revenio 2015 Giant AnyRoad (stolen)2016 Giant Escape 1
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 279 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
The OP has a good point. Once you have gotten up to a bike that cost $1000, any more money than that buy mainly glitz and a name.
It is pretty much like the person that is in a room and told every time the bell rings walk half way to the wall. The first few times (or dollars) gets you something, but the point of good progress becomes less and less. BTW in case you didnt know the person will never reach the wall.
It is pretty much like the person that is in a room and told every time the bell rings walk half way to the wall. The first few times (or dollars) gets you something, but the point of good progress becomes less and less. BTW in case you didnt know the person will never reach the wall.
Better wheels, better brakes, better groupsets do not constitute glitz and a name in these parts...
09-25-16, 04:18 PM
#39
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: LaPorte, IN
Posts: 625
Bikes: 2013 Raleigh Revenio 2015 Giant AnyRoad (stolen)2016 Giant Escape 1
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 279 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
If anyone owns a bicycle costing more than a grand, help the guy out and tell him what the difference is between groupsets and wheels and what have you...
I know I am picking up a Defy 2 Advanced this year. I chose the bike because I wanted 105 and a CF frame, along with the disc brakes. Full Shimano groupset. I could have chose the 105 CF from Nashbar and spent 1000 less, but I like my LBS and the people there and I know if there is a problem, they will take of me, no questions asked.
09-25-16, 04:19 PM
#40
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: LaPorte, IN
Posts: 625
Bikes: 2013 Raleigh Revenio 2015 Giant AnyRoad (stolen)2016 Giant Escape 1
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 279 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I don't see this as a "legitimate" topic. When these threads are posted, it seems to invariably be a situation where the OP feels insecure about his bike and is trying to drum up support for the notion that any bike nicer is a poor choice. Look at the original post. Some arbitrary limit of $1000 is thrown out, curiously corresponding to close to the cost of OP's bike if new. He clearly states he doesn't believe the majority of cyclists need a nicer bike. Why post? Most of us understand diminishing returns and we understand nicer is nicer. No cyclist I know would diss someone's bike because it was inexpensive. Ride what you can afford and let others do the same.
09-25-16, 04:25 PM
#41
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Beautiful Long Beach California
Posts: 3,589
Bikes: Eddy Merckx San Remo 76, Eddy Merckx San Remo 76 - Black Silver and Red, Eddy Merckx Sallanches 64 (2); Eddy Merckx MXL;
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 143 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
Sorry to hear about the Corolla thing - and yes, I still wear a watch and there is a large contingent of watch afficianados here. Is your 12 string a Fender Squire?
09-25-16, 04:50 PM
#42
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 15,483
Bikes: 2015 Workswell 066, 2017 Workswell 093, 2014 Dawes Sheila, 1983 Cannondale 500, 1984 Raleigh Olympian, 2007 Cannondale Rize 4, 2017 Fuji Sportif 1 LE
Mentioned: 144 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7649 Post(s)
Liked 3,469 Times
in
1,832 Posts
09-25-16, 04:56 PM
#43
Optically Corrected
I like the sound aero-bladed spokes make. I can get spendy.
09-25-16, 04:57 PM
#44
Expired Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: TN
Posts: 11,518
Mentioned: 37 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3658 Post(s)
Liked 5,404 Times
in
2,744 Posts
09-25-16, 05:08 PM
#46
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: LaPorte, IN
Posts: 625
Bikes: 2013 Raleigh Revenio 2015 Giant AnyRoad (stolen)2016 Giant Escape 1
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 279 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
09-25-16, 05:30 PM
#48
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: Woodbury, MN
Posts: 429
Bikes: 2006 Trek Pilot 1.2, 1972 Schwinn SS
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 156 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Most of you must not use helmets. I don't give a flying hoot about general preferences made with regard to the purchase of luxury goods. I am wondering what the main factors are when people spend more than say $1000 or $2000 on a...get ready for this.. BICYCLE! I want to know what you think about when you plop down $4000 on a BICYCLE. Do you understand that this is a BICYCLE forum? Not clothes or anything else.
09-25-16, 05:33 PM
#50
Advocatus Diaboli
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Wherever I am
Posts: 8,632
Bikes: Merlin Cyrene, Nashbar steel CX
Mentioned: 14 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4731 Post(s)
Liked 1,531 Times
in
1,002 Posts
In the future, bike cost comparison threads should be based instead on a lifetime (to date) cost/month vs. the the simple selling price when it was new.