livedarklions

What's the right price for a co2 cartridge? My understanding is that they're a PITA to ship in bulk.

livedarklions

Because you stated that you had no doubt that Blackburn was produced in Walmart owned factories in China. Because Blackburn is such a widespread brand that the fact that you've only found it at Wal-Mart means that you have only shopped for bike-related stuff at Wal-Mart, yet you want to make comments about how there's a bicycle tax imposed on bicycle-related goods based on your personal experience.

You can get bike stuff cheaper buying online than you can at Wal-Mart. This is not news.

jaxgtr

Yep the R22 is an issue here. However in my case, I had a coil leak and it was a 15 year old system, so there was no point in replacing the coil.

Koyote

You guys must’ve bought all of those at Walmart. I’ve heard that Blackburn is their house brand.

The Chemist

I had a flat recently for the first time since I started carrying a really small mini-pump (from Decathlon) more than a year ago. It took about 5 minutes to get the tire up to a rideable pressure, but it was enough pressure to get me home (about 40km) where I could then top the tire off with my floor pump. I think mini-pumps are just fine and have never understood the allure of CO2 - not only do you have to pay to inflate your tire, but you're also producing waste. Pumps are a pay once, leave nothing behind solution.

Koyote

A strong intellect admits to errors and learns from them.

It takes a different sort to double-down and make excuses.

indyfabz

Sorry, but I think it’s intentional, meant to provoke responses. There are a couple of other members who frequent General and post equal inanity. Makes me wonder.

rsbob 

It takes an even stronger intellect that learns from others mistakes.

Calsun

Prices are in large part determined by the size of the market and the volume that can be sold. A two-pack is going to cost more per item than a 10-pack of the same item. But how many CO2 cartridges do you actually use in a year's time?

I am bothered more then gas goes up $2.00 a gallon and the oil companies' profits increase by 400% or drinking water is poisoned by frackers and makers of PFAS.

roadcrankr

I find it more than a little annoying that some of you belittle and disparage the OP, VegasJen.
She used the CO2 cartridges as an example, only. We can easily see where cyclists face serious upcharges.
Or, in her words, a "tax." Cut her a break and expand your thinking, people. Many seem overly-eager to slam her.
Tire pricing really nails cyclists, even if carefully shopped. Add other consumables like chains, cables, and batteries/lights.

indyfabz

Yeah. Let’s not call out, um, “junk.” And telling others to expand their thinking is doing the same thing you are complaining about.

shelbyfv

History. Context.

seypat

I'll be honest, I'm bothered by the first sentence of the original post. If she had listed Chevette instead of Corvette, I would have cut her some some slack. I could have seen a real need for saving coin. Don't talk about being from a luxury world then gripe about products at Walmart or prices in general. That's like eating at Sizzler or Golden Corral and demanding Ruth Chris level of service/food.

genejockey 

All my Blackburn stuff - lights, pumps, etc - all came from bike shops.

livedarklions

No, the argument is just as stupid when you apply it to other items. We are paying some premium prices because we tend to want better than average versions of the items you name. There are very inexpensive bike lights, tires, chains and cables available. If you choose to purchase better versions of those items, expect to pay more. To present this as a "tax" or claim we are getting "screwed" is complete bs.

​​​​​​Just to remind everyone, we've got some price distortions still going on because supply chains for all sorts of manufacturing got disrupted as did production lines. Bicycle related goods have not been unique in this respect.

genejockey 

There IS a tax on cyclists. It's called economics.

Koyote

Jen's example was shown to be invalid...If she's subsequently been disparaged, it's because she doubled down on claims which have been proved false.

And now you've repeated the claim -- and like Jen, you've not given a valid example, either.

genejockey 

SOROS!!! Everybody DRINK!!!!

tomato coupe

And, as she's done in other threads, she also tried to turn the discussion political.

genejockey 

"Ah. Well, nevertheless....."

livedarklions

Actually, it's been the 25% tariff on bicycle related goods from China, but that's been lifted for several items.

I always find it funny how many people don't realize it's actually the consumer who pays the tariff, not "China".

terrymorse 

There is also a “tax” on the bike business, starting with the manufacturer and ending with the LBS, making it increasingly hard to turn a profit.

Koyote

Is there some special tax applied to bicycle manufacturers and bike shops? If there is, I’ve never heard about it. Please enlighten me.

tomato coupe

Maybe it's one of those "taxes" that certain groups levee on shop owners to ensure nothing bad happens to your shop at night.

Trakhak

Monty Python deep cut:

"Sorry, squire---I've scratched the record."

Edit: everything is out there somewhere.