My new $7,000 bike and the futility of justifying the price to the average person.
02-18-15, 03:40 AM
#51
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
Perhaps a more accessible comparison for most people would be the fact that a family of 4 can easily spend 5-10 thousand dollars on a single week trip to Disneyworld, and yet people do it all the time...THAT'S CRAZY! However, they justification is that it's "For the family."
I know a man in his 60's who has been cycling seriously his entire life, and he and his wife both have bikes that I'm sure cost thousands of dollars, as well as a racing-style Tandem that may well have been nearly $10k (not sure, but it's super-nice). They can afford it, and they have been able to spend countless hours of quailty family time with their grown children cycling together. They have taken long cycling trips with their children. Their son does triathalons. They have invested thousands, but have reaped the fruit of excellent health for them and their children, as well as a common interest they can share with their children.
Compared to a trip to Disneyworld, or a $1500 TV (They don't have a TV)...7,000 on a bike doesn't seem too bad.
I know a man in his 60's who has been cycling seriously his entire life, and he and his wife both have bikes that I'm sure cost thousands of dollars, as well as a racing-style Tandem that may well have been nearly $10k (not sure, but it's super-nice). They can afford it, and they have been able to spend countless hours of quailty family time with their grown children cycling together. They have taken long cycling trips with their children. Their son does triathalons. They have invested thousands, but have reaped the fruit of excellent health for them and their children, as well as a common interest they can share with their children.
Compared to a trip to Disneyworld, or a $1500 TV (They don't have a TV)...7,000 on a bike doesn't seem too bad.
02-18-15, 07:12 AM
#52
Senior Member
I merely note that this thread is the opposite of the ones where someone questions the sanity of anyone riding a high-end bike because doubling the price does not double the utility, halve the weight, etc.
02-18-15, 07:24 AM
#53
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: York, England after 15 years in Massachusetts
Posts: 600
Bikes: 1 frame and a heap of pieces
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 11 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
I find it ridiculous that the OP has to justify his purchase of a nice bike to people who supposedly like bikes. He likes it, no more justification needed.
02-18-15, 07:48 AM
#54
don't try this at home.
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: N. KY
Posts: 5,933
Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 972 Post(s)
Liked 509 Times
in
349 Posts
Some riders ride a lot.
It's easy to ride 250 hours a year, and not unusual to ride 400 hours or more. That's 1250 to 2000 hours over 5 years.
Bike consumables, including tires, chains, cassettes, cables, and bar tape add up. And shorts, gloves, energy bars, event rides, and other bike related items. It's easy for these to add up to at least $100 per year, and more likely $200 or $300. That's $500 to $1500 over 5 years.
So an expensive bike's cost seems more reasonable over time. A $7000 bike ridden 2000 hours is $3.50 an hour. A $2000 bike is $1.00 an hour. So that doesn't sound so bad. Although cost per mile does seem high. At 15 mph average, 30,000 miles, the $7000 bike is 23 cents a mile.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I think that a bike that's double what "I" paid (whatever the amount!) is often the point where the bike seems excessively expensive. One that's 30% or 50% higher kind of makes sense as a "nice bike".
It's easy to ride 250 hours a year, and not unusual to ride 400 hours or more. That's 1250 to 2000 hours over 5 years.
Bike consumables, including tires, chains, cassettes, cables, and bar tape add up. And shorts, gloves, energy bars, event rides, and other bike related items. It's easy for these to add up to at least $100 per year, and more likely $200 or $300. That's $500 to $1500 over 5 years.
So an expensive bike's cost seems more reasonable over time. A $7000 bike ridden 2000 hours is $3.50 an hour. A $2000 bike is $1.00 an hour. So that doesn't sound so bad. Although cost per mile does seem high. At 15 mph average, 30,000 miles, the $7000 bike is 23 cents a mile.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I think that a bike that's double what "I" paid (whatever the amount!) is often the point where the bike seems excessively expensive. One that's 30% or 50% higher kind of makes sense as a "nice bike".
Last edited by rm -rf; 02-18-15 at 08:19 AM.
02-18-15, 09:59 AM
#55
Tortoise Wins by a Hare!
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Looney Tunes, IL
Posts: 7,398
Bikes: Wabi Special FG, Raleigh Roper, Nashbar AL-1, Miyata One Hundred, '70 Schwinn Lemonator and More!!
Mentioned: 22 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1549 Post(s)
Liked 941 Times
in
504 Posts
02-18-15, 11:20 AM
#56
Banned
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Lincoln Ne
Posts: 9,924
Bikes: RANS Stratus TerraTrike Tour II
Mentioned: 46 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3352 Post(s)
Liked 1,056 Times
in
635 Posts
Different strokes for different folks. I bike, and my friends golf in the summer time. I dont have really high priced bike and trike, but they would be well over $3500 new. But then look at my friend golfing. Their clubs are good ones that come in close to $1000, and then there are green fees and balls and tees. My bike and trike will last me probably the rest of my life, but green fees, drives to different clubs, lunch and beer after golfing keeps on comming.
02-18-15, 11:56 AM
#57
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,977
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1638 Post(s)
Liked 741 Times
in
495 Posts
Honestly, I don't recall anyone ever asking me how much my bike was... I have been asked them much someone should spend for a reasonable bike.
While my personal bias is that $7,000 bikes belong in the realm of riders good enough to have sponsors buy them, I don't begrudge anyone deciding how they want to spend their money.
Surely a bicycle is a better value than vices, but does anyone really know someone who smokes a pack a day while drinking a six pack, and spending $7 a day on weed? Back in my day, that would be a half an ounce every day, but I know there has been massive inflation in the cost of weed since then.
But why stop there... Why not say that someone using heroine spends $100 per day, or $36,500... then you can feel like a cheap skate.
Unless you buy a new bike every year, and if you feel compelled to announce then justify your expense, then simply express that $7,000 - $2,000 (resale value) = $5,000 divided by 3 years * 365 days per year is about $4.50 per day. Many people would have no hesitation to fritter away $5 per day on something they enjoyed, whatever that might be.
But honestly, the average person is going to make assumptions, and I wouldn't worry about them or specific numbers.... let them think whatever they want and leave the math to them... Just tell them that when you amortize it over 3 years, it is perfectly reasonable amount to spend on a daily basis for something you love. This would make almost any investment seem realistic, and also avoid scaring someone away from cycling because it is too expensive.
While my personal bias is that $7,000 bikes belong in the realm of riders good enough to have sponsors buy them, I don't begrudge anyone deciding how they want to spend their money.
Surely a bicycle is a better value than vices, but does anyone really know someone who smokes a pack a day while drinking a six pack, and spending $7 a day on weed? Back in my day, that would be a half an ounce every day, but I know there has been massive inflation in the cost of weed since then.
But why stop there... Why not say that someone using heroine spends $100 per day, or $36,500... then you can feel like a cheap skate. Unless you buy a new bike every year, and if you feel compelled to announce then justify your expense, then simply express that $7,000 - $2,000 (resale value) = $5,000 divided by 3 years * 365 days per year is about $4.50 per day. Many people would have no hesitation to fritter away $5 per day on something they enjoyed, whatever that might be.
But honestly, the average person is going to make assumptions, and I wouldn't worry about them or specific numbers.... let them think whatever they want and leave the math to them... Just tell them that when you amortize it over 3 years, it is perfectly reasonable amount to spend on a daily basis for something you love. This would make almost any investment seem realistic, and also avoid scaring someone away from cycling because it is too expensive.
__________________
nine mile skid on a ten mile ride
nine mile skid on a ten mile ride
02-18-15, 12:05 PM
#58
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 1,043
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Now can I take it for a spin?
02-18-15, 05:45 PM
#60
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: On my bike...
Posts: 409
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 11 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
When I was playing hockey I would occasionally get snide comments from guys about how it must be nice to have new goalie pads (when I got a new pair, that is). It was invariably from the guy drinking beer every single game, and much like the OP, I thought to myself "How much do you spend a year on beer?".
As has been stated so many times, we all spend our money on what we like.
...and I would totally buy a $7000 bike. Then come here to bike forums and overtly brag about it (which I don't believe was the point of the OP).
As has been stated so many times, we all spend our money on what we like.
...and I would totally buy a $7000 bike. Then come here to bike forums and overtly brag about it
(which I don't believe was the point of the OP).
02-18-15, 06:21 PM
#62
Senior Member
Cycling is strange in that 95% of the cost is equipment, with no effective participation fees. Most other hobbies the main cost is some type of membership, greens fee, etc.
Look at it this way $7k is less than the membership dues for most country-clubs.
Look at it this way $7k is less than the membership dues for most country-clubs.
02-18-15, 07:27 PM
#63
Banned
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Lincoln Ne
Posts: 9,924
Bikes: RANS Stratus TerraTrike Tour II
Mentioned: 46 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3352 Post(s)
Liked 1,056 Times
in
635 Posts
Look at it this way. I hear a pack of cigarettes in NY cost near $10 a pack. If the smoker is a pack a day smoker that mean $3650 a year. In less than 2 years your bike would be paid for, and good health. And in 2 years you will still have an exceptional bike and the smoker will have stained fingers, holes in his pants from ashes, and a good start on lung cancer. Between the two of you, taking a leap of logic here, it seems to me you will come out ahead.
02-18-15, 07:41 PM
#64
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: still above ground
Posts: 1,066
Bikes: 2016 Specialized crosstrail comp disc
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
The link you provided is to a Cannondale with a pricetag of $5.420.00 which though it is $1580.00 less than 7000
still seems like an awful lot of money to spend on a bike with no pedals.
still seems like an awful lot of money to spend on a bike with no pedals.
02-18-15, 07:51 PM
#65
Banned
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Mississauga/Toronto, Ontario canada
Posts: 8,721
Bikes: I have 3 singlespeed/fixed gear bikes
Mentioned: 30 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4227 Post(s)
Liked 2,488 Times
in
1,286 Posts
...WTF ??, that's some really expensive pedals.
02-18-15, 07:58 PM
#66
Banned
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 546
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
The average cost of a pack Marlboro Reds in the US is $9.73. The average cost of a six pack of Bud in the US is $7.25. The average weed smoker in the US spends about $2500 in a year according to a weed smoker I know (this may be more or less). $9.73+$7.25 = $16.98 a day for the booze and butts. $2500/365= about $7 a day for weed. $16.98+$7 = $23.98 a day. $23.98 x 365 = $8,752.70 in a year for the average American to satisfy his or her self gratification. $8,752-$7000 = - $1,1752. So I'm still short since I do not smoke tobacco, consume alcohol or use weed. This is the best I can do. And this expense is for just one year, the expense for average self gratification goes on year after year until of course the medical expenses kick in. My last bike which I paid $3000 for in 2008 has lasted me for seven years. This is the best way I can explain the cost. People look very confused and dumb when I explain it this way. The pedals and some special wheels increase the cost of the bike.
SuperSix EVO Hi-MOD Dura Ace 2 - SUPERSIX EVO - ELITE ROAD - ROAD - BIKES - 2015
SuperSix EVO Hi-MOD Dura Ace 2 - SUPERSIX EVO - ELITE ROAD - ROAD - BIKES - 2015
10/10? 9/10?
I assume there are multiple criterion you could use:
-comfort
-speed
-smoothness of shifting and of componentry overall
-esthetics
-durability
02-18-15, 08:01 PM
#67
Banned
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 546
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
You can certainly network with people as a cyclist, but I'm assuming most of your interaction will be limited to some brief chats before and after group rides.
02-18-15, 08:31 PM
#68
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 7,384
Mentioned: 49 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 800 Post(s)
Liked 218 Times
in
171 Posts
…For years, I rode a steel Bridgestone RB-1, costing about $650 down from about $800 as an end-of-year model when I bought it in the early 1980’s. I came to learn it was considered a classic. After the introduction of carbon fiber bikes, I always wondered if the premium prices of CF, which I considered to be about $2000 was worth the presumed enhanced riding experience.
The Bridgestone was totaled in 2012 in an accident from which I was not sure I would ride again. Well I did, and decided to get a CF. My trusted mechanic said here’s the bike you want, knowing my riding style. Well the MSRP was $8000, but he got it for me at half off…
The Bridgestone was totaled in 2012 in an accident from which I was not sure I would ride again. Well I did, and decided to get a CF. My trusted mechanic said here’s the bike you want, knowing my riding style. Well the MSRP was $8000, but he got it for me at half off…
Nonetheless, bragging rights are also fun.
Last edited by Jim from Boston; 02-18-15 at 08:52 PM.
02-19-15, 02:24 AM
#69
Newbie
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 3
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
you could spend $7k on other worthwhile things.
for example: my recent prescription for inhalers, if purchased at walmart, would cost $73.39 + $222.64 + $279.76 which sums to $575 a month.
a year of that - $6900. for the rest of my life if there isnt a price increase.
personally, would prefer to spend that much on a decent trike - the knees dont do too well on the 2-wheel stuff anymore.
for example: my recent prescription for inhalers, if purchased at walmart, would cost $73.39 + $222.64 + $279.76 which sums to $575 a month.
a year of that - $6900. for the rest of my life if there isnt a price increase.
personally, would prefer to spend that much on a decent trike - the knees dont do too well on the 2-wheel stuff anymore.
02-19-15, 06:55 AM
#70
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Missouri
Posts: 2,690
Bikes: Giant Propel, Cannondale SuperX, Univega Alpina Ultima
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 672 Post(s)
Liked 417 Times
in
249 Posts
I ride on a road with $20-50K automobiles, past homes that have 6-7 figure asking prices, have neighbors with expensive boats, motorcycles, TVs, swimming pools, etc. Why should anyone think my bike is expensive?
__________________
Formerly fastest rider in the grupetto, currently slowest guy in the peloton
Formerly fastest rider in the grupetto, currently slowest guy in the peloton
02-19-15, 08:00 AM
#71
Senior Member
The part about justifying it to myself is probably somewhat accurate but I made the mistake of telling a coworker what I paid and now it's out there for public consumption. I gave up alcohol twenty years ago and weed forty years ago. I don't think most people realize what they spend on some of this stuff. I'm 68 in March and thankful that I began taking care of myself years ago. I have a lot of disposable income now and well, I'm spending it.
02-19-15, 09:03 AM
#72
The Improbable Bulk
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wilkes-Barre, PA
Posts: 8,379
Bikes: Many
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times
in
7 Posts
I am old... Back when I was first aware of prices in the early 70's, $10 an ounce for run of the mill weed with stems and seeds in the mix was pretty normal. and $15 an ounce would have probably been a decent deal for higher quality, like Acapulco Gold. I have no idea what prices are today.
__________________
Slow Ride Cyclists of NEPA
People do not seem to realize that their opinion of the world is also a confession of character.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
Slow Ride Cyclists of NEPA
People do not seem to realize that their opinion of the world is also a confession of character.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
02-19-15, 09:13 AM
#73
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Westchester County, NY
Posts: 1,299
Bikes: Giant TCR SL3 and Trek 1.5
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 12 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
People know what they know and tend to question that with which they're not familiar. Expensive bikes are unfamiliar to most people, especially outside major metro areas. Part of that has to do with the fact that major metro areas tend to have folks that are more active, as well as have higher average incomes.
02-19-15, 09:14 AM
#74
Señor Member
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 5,066
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 649 Post(s)
Liked 292 Times
in
215 Posts
I have not bought a new bike for many years. I have bought a handful of used bikes, and bought some budget frames and built myself 'new' bikes from old parts, but no new bikes. But I have a mountain bike that would cost me $3000 to replace.
My response when people ask and are surprised at the value of my bike is, "did you know that some people spend over thirty thousand dollars...
... on a car!"
My response when people ask and are surprised at the value of my bike is, "did you know that some people spend over thirty thousand dollars...
... on a car!"
02-19-15, 09:15 AM
#75
Señor Member
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 5,066
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 649 Post(s)
Liked 292 Times
in
215 Posts
I am old... Back when I was first aware of prices in the early 70's, $10 an ounce for run of the mill weed with stems and seeds in the mix was pretty normal. and $15 an ounce would have probably been a decent deal for higher quality, like Acapulco Gold. I have no idea what prices are today.
Smoking is bad for you though. Almost as bad as alcohol.
